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Life sciences · Review
Cureus · November 7, 2026
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age, but prevalence estimates in Sub-Saharan Africa are sparse and methodologically heterogeneous.The objective of this study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of PCOS and synthesize reported associated characteristics among women of reproductive age in Sub-Saharan Africa.We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.Observational studies were identified in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Lens.org through May 2025.Eligible studies reported a denominator and PCOS cases among women aged 15-49 years in Sub-Saharan Africa.Proportions were logit-transformed and pooled using a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood.Eight studies comprising 2,887 women from Nigeria, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were included.The pooled prevalence was 28.66% (95% confidence interval (CI), 21.93%-36.50%),with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 92.15%;Cochran's Q = 89.15,P < 0.001).Exploratory assessment did not detect funnel-plot asymmetry (Egger's P = 0.471), although power was limited by the small number of studies.Frequently reported characteristics included younger age, higher body mass index or obesity, hyperandrogenic features, menstrual dysfunction, and infertility.PCOS was common in the available Sub-Saharan African evidence, but the pooled estimate reflects facility-based, fertility-clinic, or symptom-enriched populations and should not be interpreted as population prevalence.Representative community-based studies using standardized diagnostic ascertainment are needed to define the regional burden and guide reproductive and metabolic care.