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PCOS

Irregular periods, acne, excess hair. A common hormonal condition you can manage.

Speak to a GP about PCOSFrom £79

In short

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women. It can't be cured, but its symptoms, periods, skin, hair, and fertility, are very manageable, and a GP can help you get diagnosed and treated.

Overview

What is pcos?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting how the ovaries work. It's linked to higher levels of male hormones and to the way the body handles insulin. It can cause irregular periods, acne, excess hair, and difficulty with weight and fertility. It also raises the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes, so ongoing management matters.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods
  • Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
  • Acne or oily skin
  • Thinning hair on the scalp
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Difficulty getting pregnant

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if you have irregular periods with acne or excess hair, are struggling to conceive, or think you may have PCOS and want it assessed properly.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • No period for several months with a positive pregnancy test and pain (seek assessment)
  • Very irregular heavy bleeding with dizziness or breathlessness
  • Symptoms of diabetes (excessive thirst, passing lots of urine, weight loss)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • A symptom and history assessment against the diagnostic criteria
  • Guidance on the right blood tests (hormones, and checks for diabetes and cholesterol)
  • Advice on when an ultrasound scan is useful
  • Treatment for individual symptoms (periods, acne, unwanted hair) including hormonal options
  • Lifestyle advice, which has a big impact on PCOS
  • Referral to gynaecology or fertility services where needed

What we don't do

  • Fertility treatment (referred to NHS or private fertility services)
  • Ultrasound scans and specialist gynaecology (referred on)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about PCOS starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about pcos

How is PCOS diagnosed?
By meeting at least two of: irregular or absent periods, signs or blood tests of raised male hormones, and polycystic ovaries on a scan, once other causes are excluded. We guide you on the right tests.
Does PCOS mean I can't get pregnant?
No. Many women with PCOS conceive, sometimes with help. If you're trying to conceive, we can advise and refer to fertility services if needed.
Can lifestyle changes help?
Yes, significantly. Even modest weight loss can regulate periods and improve symptoms, as PCOS is closely linked to how the body handles insulin.
What are the long-term risks?
PCOS raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol, so we check these and help you manage them. The womb lining also needs protecting if periods are very infrequent.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about PCOS?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

Start on WhatsApp

7 days a week · 08:00–22:00 · WhatsApp or email