To anyone navigating PCOS - We see you

By Belinda Champion, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Aneira Health

At Aneira Health, we often speak to women who come in feeling frustrated, confused, and often a little exhausted. Many of them are women in their 20s, or 30s who’ve been struggling with symptoms for years such as irregular periods, struggling to lose weight, excessive facial and body hair growth, acne, tired all the time, anxiety and they’re often told it’s “Just hormones” or “part of being a woman.”

But often, we discover the root cause is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, a condition that affects at least 1 in 8 women in the UK (Verity, PCOS Charity).

PCOS is more than just a reproductive issue

One of the most important things to communicate to women is that PCOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that impacts the whole body. Yes, it affects ovulation (releasing an egg) but it also influences insulin resistance, inflammation, mood, energy levels, and even long-term heart health.

When people hear "cysts," they often assume it's something surgical. But in PCOS, the term "polycystic"refers to several small immature follicles seen on an ultrasound, not true cysts. For some women, they may have the appearance of Polycystic Ovaries on scan without having the syndrome and vice versa.

What we see in clinic

Many women tell us the same thing:

"I wish someone had connected the dots sooner."
"I felt like I wasn’t being taken seriously."
"I’ve tried everything and still feel stuck."

It’s heartbreaking, but not surprising. PCOS often doesn’t look the same in every woman. Some have regular periods but struggle with acne and facial hair. Others have no visible symptoms but face challenges with fertility or mental health. That inconsistency can delay diagnosis or lead to it being dismissed altogether.

There is help... but it needs to be the right kind

At Aneira Health, we take a holistic, whole person approach. That means not just handing out a leaflet or a pill but sitting down and talking through what’s really going on. It means looking at your nutrition, stress levels, sleep patterns, and how you’re feeling emotionally not just how your bloods look. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for PCOS. Some women benefit from insulin-sensitising medications. Others find relief with lifestyle changes tailored to their unique biology not fad diets or unrealistic fitness goals, but manageable, sustain able steps. And some need emotional support, not just clinical advice.

Many women with PCOS struggle with weight gain that doesn’t respond to standard advice. That’s because insulin resistance alter show the body stores fat and uses energy. This can create a cycle that’s difficult to break without specialised support.

Lifestyle changes, such as balanced nutrition, regular movement, and stress management, play a powerful role in managing PCOS. But it is important to recognise that these are not quick fixes.

“It’s not about telling women to ‘just lose weight 'that advice is not only unhelpful, but also often harmful. We need to support women with sustainable, compassionate healthcare, based on their individual biology.”

Promising research into insulin-sensitising treatments, anti-inflammatory approaches, and hormonal therapies continues to evolve. But access to knowledgeable care remains a challenge one that experts say must be addressed if we want to reduce the long-term impact of PCOS.

The impact on mental health

Something we don't talk about enough is the invisible emotional and psychological toll of PCOS. Living with unpredictable symptoms and often without a clear diagnosis can negatively impact confidence affecting their body image and self-esteem. I've had women in tears during consultations, not because of the diagnosis itself, but because they finally feel seen and heard.

Shockingly, recent studies have revealed that people with PCOS are 4-7 times more likely to have depression and anxiety, 3-6 times more likely to have an eating disorder, and 8.5 times more likely to attempt suicide. Depression and anxiety are more common in people with PCOS, and it's not hard to understand why. The physical symptoms, body image pressures, hormonal fluctuations, and sometimes years of being dismissed, takes its toll.

Why early diagnosis matters

The earlier we identify PCOS, the better we can manage the long-term risks such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and even endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb). But more than that, early diagnosis gives women answers. It lets them make informed decisions about their health, fertility, and future.

If you're experiencing symptoms and feel like something isn’t right, please don’t ignore it. Listen to your body and trust your instincts. And if you’ve been told to "just lose weight" or“wait it out,” come talk to someone who will look deeper.

You're not alone

If you think you might have PCOS, or you’re struggling to manage it, you’re not alone - you’re not imagining it. Don’t suffer in silence.

At Aneira Health, we’re here to support you with bespoke care that listens, personalises, and empowers. You deserve answers. You deserve to feel well in your body. And you deserve to be taken seriously.

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