Can you inherit Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? Understanding the genetic linkage behind PCOS

Time of India

30-05-2025

When 32-year-old Aisha noticed her periods were irregular and painful, she shrugged it off as normal. Yet her mother, Meera, had faced the same symptoms at her age—long, heavy cycles and severe cramps. Meera grew up believing, 'Pain is normal for all women' But Aisha wondered: 'What if this is a medical condition that runs in my family?'
Let's uncover the facts behind hereditary fertility issues and empower women across generations with the awareness of PCOS.
Why PCOS Matters Across Generations?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects every aspect of a woman's life: metabolism, hormones, appearance, and fertility. It's not just an individual diagnosis, it can even tend to go on from one generation to the next. Research findings suggest that 4 out of 10 women who have a mother or aunt diagnosed with this endocrine female condition are at a significantly higher risk of getting PCOS themselves.
Hereditary Risk: Daughters of women with PCOS are six times more likely to develop the condition themselves (source: Human Reproduction Update)
Underdiagnosed: Up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed, mistaking symptoms for 'bad periods' (WHO)
The Triple Threat: Obesity, Hirsutism, and Infertility
PCOS manifests in visible and invisible ways—some women struggle with weight, others with excess hair, and many with difficulty conceiving.
1. Obesity & Metabolic Risks: Among Indian women with PCOS,
32% are overweight and 11% obese under WHO cut-offs
43% obese using Asian BMI standards (source: JAMA Network Open)
2. Hirsutism (Unwanted Hair Growth):
70–80% of women with PCOS experience hirsutism compared to 5–10% in the general population (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism).
3. Infertility's Hidden Toll:
Almost 1 in 10 women are diagnosed with PCOS. It actively contributes to approximately 30–50% of infertility cases (ASRM).
Most of these symptoms surface over a period of time. They are over and above the symptoms of painful periods that are non-negotiable in most cases.
Diagnosis Delays & How to Avoid Them?
The risk of PCOS is hereditary, but poor lifestyle choices fuels its fire. Excess weight, sedentary habits, and insulin resistance worsen symptoms and reproductive outcomes. While your metabolic legacy can set the stage for PCOS to be triggered, healthy choices can still rewrite the story.
Women report symptoms 7–10 years before a correct PCOS diagnosis, often because cramps and weight gain are dismissed as 'normal' . Misguided treatments—like magical herbal concoctions from village hakims—delay proper care and deepen frustration. Don't wait for a 'miracle cure'—demand medical answers.' Too many women get lost in myths:
'It's just teenage acne.'
'You'll outgrow the cramps.'
'Diet pills will solve it.'
Early signs to watch for: irregular periods, severe cramps, sudden weight gain, excess hair, and skin tags. Tracking cycles and symptoms on an app can provide clarity when consulting a doctor.
Action Plan: Five Steps To Manage Risk of PCOS
Get Screened: If someone in your family also has irregular cycles or infertility, schedule a PCOS work-up by age 25 .
Track Your Cycle: Use apps to log periods, moods, and symptoms—insight is empowerment.
Tackle Weight Thoughtfully: Even 5–10% weight loss improves ovulation and hormone balance.
Address Hair & Skin: Medical hair-removal and dermatology consultations can manage hirsutism and acne.
Lean on Experts: Endocrinologists and fertility specialists who offer personalised care to facilitate early detection and proper management.
Can Early Intervention Prevent PCOS?
'Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted condition that not only affects hormonal balance but also has significant implications for fertility,' says Dr. Prachi Banera, Senior Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF.
'Early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan are crucial to ensure comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of PCOS early on in life. Our dedicated PCOS Clinic provides personalised treatment plans, to effectively help women take control of their reproductive health.'
Birla Fertility & IVF offers a dedicated PCOS Clinic that provides personalised treatment plans, including tailored diet and nutritional guidance, to effectively manage PCOS and improve overall well-being.
When Should You Consult a Fertility Expert?
Recognising the right time to seek professional help can make a significant difference in managing PCOS and its impact on fertility. Consider consulting a fertility specialist if you experience:
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles: This may indicate ovulatory dysfunction, a common issue in PCOS.
Difficulty conceiving after 6-12 months of unprotected intercourse: Especially if you're under 35 and have been trying for a year, or over 35 and have been trying for six months.
Symptoms of hyperandrogenism: Such as excessive hair growth, acne, or hair thinning.
Early consultation allows for timely intervention, which can include lifestyle modifications, medical treatments, or assisted reproductive technologies, depending on individual needs.
Knowledge is power!
Hereditary fertility challenges don't diminish the beauty of motherhood - they deepen it. By breaking myths and sharing knowledge, daughters and mothers can transform burdens into bridges of understanding and support.
By breaking the silence around hereditary fertility issues and tackling myths head-on, daughters and mothers can foster healthier futures in the long run. Share this article with the women you love, start the conversation today, and celebrate the true beauty of womanhood - in all its strength, diversity, and resilience.