Polycystic ovary syndrome, known as PCOS, is one of the most common hormone problems in women who can have children. The condition is very common, but many women go undiagnosed for years. They get told their symptoms are normal, or their concerns get ignored. That’s not fair. At Gynaeaesthetics London, Mr Mohammad Masood offers fast, private diagnosis and a treatment plan built around your body, not a generic checklist. Whether you deal with irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, acne, or trouble getting pregnant, you don’t have to keep guessing. This guide covers what this hormone condition is, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and treatment options that can genuinely help.
PCOS is a hormone condition that affects how the ovaries work. Doctors diagnose it using a mix of symptoms, blood tests, and an ultrasound, not by cysts alone.
Women with this condition often have higher androgen levels, sometimes called male hormones. These extra hormones can stop eggs from developing and releasing the way they should during the menstrual cycle. Not every woman with the condition actually has polycystic ovaries, even though the name suggests it. It affects around 1 in 10 women in the UK, according to NHS estimates, and it’s one of the leading causes of irregular periods and infertility.
PCOS symptoms vary a lot from woman to woman. Some have mild signs. Others find the condition affects daily life in a big way.
Common symptoms include:
Some women have no clear signs at all. They only find out they have it when trying to get pregnant or during a routine scan.
Doctors don’t fully know what causes this condition. A few things seem to play a role.
Many women with the condition have insulin resistance. This means the body doesn’t respond to insulin well, so it makes more insulin. Extra insulin pushes the ovaries to make more androgens. This is closely linked to weight gain and trouble losing it.
High androgen levels, like testosterone, disrupt the normal menstrual cycle. This stops eggs from developing properly. It leads to irregular periods and fertility problems.
This hormone condition often runs in families. If your mother or sister has it, your own risk goes up.
Some research points to ongoing, low-level inflammation as a factor. This may push the ovaries to make extra androgens.
There’s no single test for diagnosis. Doctors use a set of rules called the Rotterdam Criteria. You need at least two of these three signs: irregular or absent periods, signs of high androgen levels, or polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound.
At Gynaeaesthetics London, your consultation with Mr Masood includes a full review of your symptoms and history. He may also order blood tests for hormone levels like LH, FSH, testosterone, and insulin, a pelvic ultrasound to check the ovaries and womb lining, and extra tests to rule out conditions like thyroid disease.
Getting a clear answer, after months or years of not knowing, is often a huge relief on its own.
There’s no cure for this condition, but it’s very manageable with the right plan. Treatment aims to fix your specific symptoms and improve daily life.
Losing just 5 to 10 percent of body weight can help regulate periods, improve hormone levels, and support fertility. A balanced diet and regular activity make a real difference over time.
Birth control pills are often prescribed to regulate periods, lower androgen levels, and improve acne and hair growth. This suits women who aren’t trying to conceive right now.
This medicine is usually used for type 2 diabetes. It also helps manage insulin resistance. It can support period regularity, weight loss, and fertility in some cases.
Medication like spironolactone can block androgen effects and improve symptoms. Doctors sometimes add skincare treatment alongside this.
For women trying to conceive, ovulation induction using medication is usually the first step. Some cases need further fertility testing or referral to a specialist.
Women with this condition face a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and in some cases womb cancer. Regular checks lower these risks a lot.
This condition isn’t only physical. Weight gain, acne, excess hair, irregular periods, and fertility struggles can affect your mental health, confidence, and relationships. Many women feel anxious, low, or isolated. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Support is available alongside your medical care.
You should book a consultation if your periods are irregular or have stopped, you’re gaining weight without a clear reason, you’ve noticed extra hair growth, you’re struggling to conceive, you suspect this condition but’ve never had a formal diagnosis, or your symptoms affect your daily life or mental health.
This condition looks different in every woman. Mr Mohammad Masood builds a treatment plan around your specific symptoms and your overall reproductive health, not just a checklist diagnosis.
If you think you may have PCOS, or you’ve been dealing with unexplained symptoms for too long, don’t wait for answers. Fast, private diagnosis is available at Gynaeaesthetics London, and the right treatment plan can genuinely change how you feel day to day. Book online or get in touch to arrange your consultation, with appointments available across London and Essex from £200.
There’s no cure yet, but the right treatment plan manages symptoms well and protects your long-term health.
It can make getting pregnant harder, but many women go on to have children, especially with treatment like ovulation induction.
No. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, hormone levels, and ultrasound findings together, not on cysts alone.
Not always. Many women manage their weight well with the right lifestyle and treatment plan, though insulin resistance can make it harder for some.
Yes. Women with this condition have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. This is why regular monitoring matters.