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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
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PCOS AT HCA HEALTHCARE UK
Why choose us?
Our dedicated women's health services give you unrivalled private access to an impressive multidisciplinary team that includes 200+ gynaecology specialists. To ensure all your symptoms and concerns are heard, expertly considered, investigated and treated, you’ll benefit from a highly personalised approach that includes the option of extended appointments.
From holistic services spanning psychologists, physiotherapists and dieticians to the latest advanced robotic surgery techniques, whatever your stage in life, symptoms or condition, we’re here for you. Our One-stop Gynaecology Clinics also deliver a full investigation and treatment plan, in one convenient visit.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal problem that effects the way your ovaries work. Your ovaries become enlarged as many fluid-filled sacs, called follicles, develop along their outer edges, surrounding your eggs.
Your eggs should mature and then be released in these sacs, in a process called ovulation. If you have PCOS your eggs may not mature and properly and the sacs don’t develop as they should, meaning that you don’t ovulate in the usual way.
These follicles can be seen on an ultrasound. Despite the name of this condition, they are not actually cysts.
Your eggs should mature and then be released in these sacs, in a process called ovulation. If you have PCOS your eggs may not mature and properly and the sacs don’t develop as they should, meaning that you don’t ovulate in the usual way.
These follicles can be seen on an ultrasound. Despite the name of this condition, they are not actually cysts.
If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, in addition to enlarged ovaries lined with fluid-filled sacs, you may also have:
- Irregular periods including no periods at all, or periods that last many days
- Excess facial or body hair caused by a surplus of a hormone called androgen
- Excessive hair loss and/or oily skin and acne
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Rapid weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- Depression
PCOS can affect women at any time after puberty although some women don’t develop symptoms until later in life, and these can be mild for some people, while others may have quite severe symptoms.
PCOS is also associated with long-term health complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. With expert, early diagnosis and specialist input, we hope to be able to help you to manage most of your symptoms.
We don’t know what causes PCOS, but we do know that early diagnosis and treatment and losing weight may reduce serious long-term complications. There’s some evidence to suggest that the syndrome might be genetically inherited, and it’s often linked to complex hormonal changes including insulin resistance.
If your body is resistant to insulin, it produces more of that hormone as a corrective measure. Being overweight or obese can also increase the amount of insulin you produce and therefore increase your likelihood of developing PCOS.
The knock-on effect is that these higher levels of insulin can boost the production of 'male' hormones in your body. These are known as androgens, and they may restrict ovulation and lead to other symptoms of PCOS, such as excess facial or body hair.
As PCOS is linked to insulin resistance and obesity, this may increase your risk of developing diabetes, heart conditions and other long-term health problems.
Worried that you have PCOS?
You can have polycystic ovaries without having PCOS. Polycystic ovaries contain a number of harmless follicles, which are again not actually cysts but sacs in which your eggs should develop. When you have PCOS, these sacs may be unable to release the eggs, so ovulation does not happen.
If you’re concerned that you may have PCOS, rapid diagnosis and treatment can make a real difference. In many cases, you may be exhibiting few of the symptoms so getting an expert view is critical if you suspect you may have the condition.
If you’d like to get checked out by an expert, you can book an appointment with one of our women’s health GPs. If you’ve already seen a GP or have a referral with one of our consultant gynaecologists, we can offer access to rapid screening and expert treatment to help manage your symptoms, should that be needed.
Concerned that you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Get any persistent symptoms or concerns checked out.
200+
women’s health consultants
48-hour
turnaround for diagnostic results
One-stop
dedicated clinics offering full investigation and treatment plans
Next-day appointments
You'll have access to a PCOS specialist within 24 hours.
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours.
Dedicated women's health facilities
across the UK, including British School of Gynaecological Endoscopy-accredited centres.
Think you might have PCOS?
See a women’s health specialist and get an expert diagnosis
Have a referral and need to book?
Simply book a test, scan or treatment directly today.
Unsure of a diagnosis and need some answers?
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PCOS TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK
Getting you an accurate and expert diagnosis
We focus on the early detection of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, providing timely care wherever possible to help stop the condition from progressing.
With extended appointments available on the same or next day, you'll be given the time and space to talk through your symptoms or concerns with a specialist and ask any questions you have. Tests for PCOS are likely to include measuring your hormone levels and looking at any physical ovarian developments:
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound
Your PCOS specialist will review your tests, and you'll have the results back within 48 hours. That means we'll be able to take swift action when it comes to deciding what happens next.
PCOS TREATMENTS AT HCA UK
The best possible treatments, in one place
While there’s no cure for PCOS, we can offer treatments to help you manage any symptoms you may be experiencing. We’ll always tailor your care to your specific circumstances, considering your age and whether you’re looking to have children. We’ll also recommend lifestyle modifications that may help to both alleviate your symptoms and reduce your long-term risk.
If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, we may recommend a range of treatments. The three on the left are best if you’re seeking to get pregnant and the three on the right are best if you’re not:
- Medication to encourage ovulation
- Hormonal birth control via contraceptive pills or an IUD
- Laparoscopy
- Medication to block the effects of androgen
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Medication to control insulin levels
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome FAQs
Estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) say that PCOS is a condition that it affects 8-13% of all women of reproductive age and that 70% of these women are undiagnosed because of a lack of awareness. In particular, the symptoms are all too easily dismissed at work, forming part of a gender health gap which costs the UK £20 billion a year.
At HCA UK, we want to close this gap by providing a timely diagnosis and the right treatment. Combatting this kind of overlooked and common serious health challenge in women is one of the reasons we have set up a private network of dedicated women's health centres.
Some studies do suggest that the condition can run in families – so, if a female relative has PCOS, then you could be more likely to be diagnosed with it too. Whether you’re showing symptoms or are just worried about your risk, we can confirm your appointment within 24 hours.
Yes. While having PCOS can affect your fertility, the hormonal imbalance that stops you from ovulating is treatable. If you’re diagnosed with the condition and want to become pregnant, our skilled and highly experienced teams will be able to discuss your treatment options with you.
These range from medication to minimally invasive surgery and IVF. We'll make recommendations based on what we think the most effective course of action will be for your individual diagnosis.
If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, you may be more likely to develop a range of health issues beyond the fertility challenges mentioned above such as:
Your consultant can talk to you through all this in detail so that you understand the potential risks and can try off set them, as far as is possible, with lifestyle changes.
While both conditions can cause irregular periods and infertility, PCOS and endometriosis are different conditions. With endometriosis, cells like those in your womb grow in other parts of your body, usually on the organs in your abdomen and pelvis. This can cause menstrual cramps or pelvic pain. As with PCOS, there is no cure for endometriosis, but early diagnosis and the right treatment can help you to manage your symptoms.
Our patients’ stories
Jayne's IVF treatment
Jayne had been trying for 10 years to have a baby when she was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries. The Lister Fertility Clinic helped her conceive.
Nicola’s story: An unexpected diagnosis
“Our daughter is everything we ever dreamt of. I would highly recommend the clinic.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.