CONDITIONS · WOMEN'S ENDOCRINE HEALTH
Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome (PCOS)
One of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age — and one of the most treatable with the right specialist guidance. Personalised diagnosis and care from consultant endocrinologist Dr Sheharyar Qureshi.
At a glance
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Affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age
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Common causes of irregular periods and fertility concerns
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Closely linked to insulin resistance and metabolic health
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Highly manageable with a tailored, long-term plan
01 — UNDERSTANDING THE CONDITION
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal condition in which the ovaries produce higher-than-usual levels of androgens (sometimes called "male" hormones, though all women produce them). This hormonal imbalance can disrupt the regular release of eggs from the ovaries, leading to irregular or absent periods and a range of other symptoms.
Despite its name, PCOS does not always involve cysts on the ovaries — the "polycystic" appearance seen on an ultrasound scan is actually a collection of small, underdeveloped follicles. A woman can have PCOS without this appearance, and can have the appearance without having the syndrome. This is one reason expert assessment matters.
PCOS is also closely connected to how the body handles insulin. Many women with PCOS have some degree of insulin resistance, which can contribute to weight gain and increase the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes. Because it sits at the intersection of hormonal and metabolic health, PCOS is a condition an endocrinologist is particularly well placed to manage.
02 — SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
How PCOS can present
Symptoms vary considerably from person to person, and often begin around the time of the first period. Some women experience only mild effects; others are affected more significantly.
Irregular periods
Infrequent, prolonged or absent menstrual cycles are the most common sign, reflecting irregular ovulation.
Excess hair growth
Hirsutism — unwanted hair on the face, chest or back — caused by raised androgen levels.
Acne & oily skin
Persistent adult acne and skin changes, again linked to hormonal imbalance.
Thinning hair
Hair loss or thinning on the scalp, following a male-pattern distribution.
Weight & metabolism
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, often driven by underlying insulin resistance.
Fertility concerns
Difficulty conceiving, as irregular ovulation can make natural conception less predictable.
03 — DIAGNOSIS
How PCOS is diagnosed
There is no single test for PCOS. Diagnosis is made by carefully building a picture from your history, examination, blood tests and, where appropriate, an ultrasound scan — and by excluding other conditions with similar symptoms.
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Irregular ovulation
Irregular, infrequent or absent periods, indicating that ovulation is not happening regularly.
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Raised androgens
Signs of higher androgen levels — either physical (such as excess hair or acne) or measured on a blood test.
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Polycystic ovaries
The characteristic appearance of multiple small follicles on an ultrasound scan of the ovaries.
04 — YOUR ASSESSMENT
What to expect at your appointment
A thorough endocrine assessment does more than confirm a diagnosis — it identifies the specific drivers of your symptoms so treatment can be targeted precisely.
01
Detailed consultation
A full discussion of your menstrual history, symptoms, family history, weight and wider health, alongside a physical examination.
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Hormone blood tests
Measuring androgens (such as testosterone), along with hormones including LH, FSH, prolactin and others to build a complete picture and exclude alternatives.
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Metabolic screening
Assessment of blood glucose, insulin resistance and cholesterol, given the close link between PCOS and long-term metabolic health.
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Pelvic ultrasound
Where appropriate, a scan to assess the ovaries — arranged as part of your care pathway when it will add to the diagnosis.
05 — TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT
A plan built around your priorities
PCOS cannot be "cured", but its symptoms can be managed very effectively. Treatment is always tailored — to the symptoms that matter most to you, and to whether you are trying to conceive.
Lifestyle & metabolic health
The cornerstone of PCOS care. Even modest changes can restore more regular cycles and improve symptoms.
Foundation
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Personalised nutrition and weight-management support
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Guidance on physical activity and insulin sensitivity
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Long-term cardiovascular and diabetes risk reduction
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Improving insulin sensitivity
Where insulin resistance is a driver, medication can help address the underlying metabolic picture.
Insulin resistance
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Insulin-sensitising medication where clinically appropriate
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Regular monitoring of glucose and metabolic markers
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Coordinated care that treats hormones and metabolism together
Regulating periods & hormones
Medical options to restore regular cycles and address androgen-related symptoms such as excess hair and acne.
Cycle & symptoms
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Combined hormonal contraceptives to regulate cycles
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Anti-androgen treatments for hair and skin symptoms
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Protecting the womb lining where periods are very infrequent
Support for conception
For those trying to conceive, PCOS is one of the most treatable causes of difficulty — with clear pathways available.
Fertility
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Assessment and optimisation before trying to conceive
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Guidance on ovulation-induction options
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Referral and coordination with fertility specialists when needed
06 — A REASSURING MESSAGE
PCOS and fertility
A PCOS diagnosis can feel worrying, particularly around fertility — but it's important to know that the great majority of women with PCOS who wish to conceive are able to, often with straightforward support.
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Because irregular ovulation is usually the main obstacle, addressing it — through lifestyle, metabolic treatment or ovulation-induction — is frequently very effective. Early specialist input helps you plan with confidence.
07 — COMMON QUESTIONS
PCOS, answered
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified clinician. If you have concerns about your health, please seek personalised advice from your doctor or arrange an appointment with our clinic.