What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS are below:

• Irregular or absent periods (30% to 50% of women).
• Problems in getting pregnant (20% to 30%).
• Weight gain around the abdomen / above waist).
• Loss of scalp hair.
• Mood Concentration/psychological symptoms of tiredness, lethargy, mood swings, aggressive/short fuse, depressed/low feeling, paranoid/negative feelings, loss of confidence, reduced memory/concentration, disorientated/out of body feeling, clumsiness.
• Excessive hair growth on face or body.
• Acne.

What makes PCOS worse?

PCOS can be made worse by any of the following:

• High Carbohydrate diet and high fat diets.
• Snacking.
• Weight gain.
• Genetic pre-disposition (family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormone problems, miscarriage).
• Some medications (the Pill, Beta blockers, Progesterone).
• Puberty.
• Pregnancy and breast feeding.
• Lack of ovarian hormones e.g. menopause.
• Stress.
• Ovarian failure.
• Androgen failure.
• Advancing age.
• Grazing / snacking

How is PCOS diagnosed?

At the Surrey Park Women’s Clinic, we are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and offer personalised care in our accessible clinic at a time to suit you. You will be seen by one of our specialist clinicians for a consultation and they may complete the following tests:

• An ultrasound scan.
• Discussion of your symptoms such as raised waist/hip ratio.
• Blood tests.

Following on from the tests your clinician will give you a personal treatment plan.