Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition and affects how the ovaries function. It can cause a range of symptoms including irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and difficulty with fertility.

PCOS affects approximately 7 in 100 women in the UK and is often diagnosed in late teens or early adulthood. While the exact cause is unknown, early diagnosis and a personalised management plan can help reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

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What are the symptoms of PCOS?

How do you diagnose PCOS?

Any two out the following three features would be diagnostic.

PCOS is diagnosed when at least two of the following three features are present:

Ovaries have many (more than 12) tiny cysts: Ovarian cysts are small blister-like-lumps (about 5-8 mm) that form on the surface of the ovaries. Women produce an egg every month and these eggs, if not released, may be retained as small cysts. This is usually seen on an ultrasound scan. Polycystic appearance of ovaries is seen on ultrasound scan in 22% of women but only a few of these women will have the “syndrome”.

Hormonal imbalance (Hyperandrogenism): Ovaries produce the “female” hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone and also very small amount of the “male” hormone, testosterone. When the level of testosterone in the blood goes over a certain level, it can cause some of the common symptoms of PCOS like acne and unwanted hair growth.

Failure to ovulate every month (anovulation) leading to infrequent or absent periods: Oligomenorhoea means less than six periods in a year and amenorrhoea means no periods at all.

A diagnosis is usually made based on clinical history, symptoms, hormone tests, and pelvic ultrasound findings.

Does PCOS affect fertility?

Can diet and nutrition help PCOS?

Yes, nutrition plays a key role in managing PCOS symptoms. Nutritional therapist Laura Southern explains, “A healthy eating plan can help manage and even alleviate some of the symptoms of PCOS. The right diet supports blood sugar and insulin regulation, improves cell sensitivity, and promotes hormone balance.”

Personalised nutritional guidance can make a significant difference in overall symptom control and long-term health.

For more information, visit our dedicated page on PCOS Nutrition.

Book your PCOS appointment online

Our PCOS package provides a thorough investigation of possible polycystic ovarian syndrome, diagnosis and management plan.

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What is the treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome?

Stay slim through a combination of regular exercise and diet. Metformin, a drug used to treat very early diabetes, can also help with carbohydrate metabolism and losing weight.
Treatment of PCOS depends on symptoms and whether you are trying for a family or not. The easiest way of controlling PCOS is to go on the combined pill (such as Yasmin or Zoely) which prevents recruitment of new egg-follicles and stops the problem from getting worse.
Obviously the contraceptive pill is not an option if you are trying for a family. If you have been trying for longer than six to twelve months you may need ovulation induction tablets such as Clomiphene and serial scans.
Treatment of unwanted hair can be either cosmetic or through medication.
Lifestyle management: to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in later life.

Our packages are for those who are looking for a PCOS diagnosis or those wishing for supportive nutritional advice.

PCOS Package

Provides a thorough investigation of possible polycystic ovarian syndrome, diagnosis and management plan.

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PCOS Nutrition Package

Supportive nutritional strategies that work with your hormones from a Nutritional Therapist

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Additional PCOS Information

If you wish to learn more about our PCOS, read our leaflet here.

GP Referrals
GP referral letters are not needed unless you are claiming your visit on insurance and your insurer requires one. However, GP referral letters are helpful because they provide your information and history so if you do have one please bring it with you to your appointment.

PCOS patient information leaflet

PCOS guide leaflet

Other related conditions and treatments

PCOS Nutrition

Nutrition plays a key role in managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), helping to regulate hormones, support fertility, and improve overall wellbeing.