Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread, complex, and heterogeneous endocrine disorder in women that involves a combination of environmental and genetic factors. PCOS affects women of growing age, particularly at the early reproductive stage (15-35 years). Currently, PCOS is affecting 1 in every 10 women worldwide. The occurrence of PCOS is higher amongst Asian women (52%) than Western Caucasian women, e.g., 20%–25%. According to the World Health Organization, PCOS affected 116 million women (4-12%) globally in 2012, and in 2020 its ratio increased abruptly to 26%. In Pakistan, 1 in every 10 women is diagnosed with PCOS and this is an alarming situation.

Among the various causes of infertility, PCOS is considered the most common and major cause, accounting for 35-50% of overall infertility. PCOS is not a disease rather it is a disorder causing the female ovaries to become enlarged with many cysts (more than 10). These cysts are undeveloped follicles that’s why PCOS is characterized by infertility, disturbance in the normal menstrual cycle, and anovulation. Women with polycystic ovaries reveal the clinical features of PCOS, including menstrual cycle disturbances, obesity, hirsutism, acne, and abnormalities of biochemical profiles such as elevated serum concentrations of LH, testosterone, androstenedione, and insulin. Insulin resistance is another important factor that contributes to the pathophysiology of PCOS.

PCOS is a metabolic abnormality that is very tough to cure. Pathogenesis of PCOS is complicated that has a strong genetic linkage. The base of the disease is insulin resistance. The recent allopathic treatment is focused on symptomatic relief. Treatment relies on hormonal therapy and the regimen is oral contraceptives (OCPs). The long use of OCPs worsens the disease and metabolic condition of the patient along with a lot of adverse effects. This symptomatic treatment cannot retard the disease progression. Thus, a treatment is direly needed that not only provides symptomatic relief but also improves the metabolic conditions of the patient which is the core cause.

The aim of this Special Issue is to put newer insights into the pathology of PCOS and discuss the etiology of PCOS along with its pathogenesis. This Issue welcomes original research and review articles focusing on the latest molecular findings that could explain the genetic and metabolic abnormalities of PCOS and emphasize seaweed aquaculture's role. Original research that could provide a novel mechanistic approach to PCOS pathogenesis or its treatment/management will be highly appreciated. The review articles could sort out the pathology of the disease along with the role of seaweed aquaculture and other alternative and herbal modalities in its management.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• PCOS diagnosis latest criteria, its definition, and metabolic abnormalities associated with PCOS.
• PCOS etiology and pathogenesis of PCOS and its role in infertility
• Genetic linkage studies that correlate with PCOS and various other metabolic abnormalities such as, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, etc.
• Epigenetics and environmental pollutants acting as endocrine disruptors involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS
• Mechanistic studies at the molecular level could further describe the pathology of the disease.
• Role of homeopathic and alternative medicines in the management of PCOS
• PCOS complications and their long-term management
• PCOS role in infertility in women of childbearing age
• Newer insights into the mechanism of curing PCOS, its complications, and management.
• The role of currently used medicines in PCOS, their side effects, and how their best beneficial effects can be obtained in disease management.
• The symptomatic treatment of PCOS with the help of oral contraceptives and their complications
• The role of fertility enhancer medicine in PCOS