Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Miss Pradhan and Miss Woodhead, MUMS Consultant Gynaecologists offer private expert assessment, ultrasound scan, and blood test panel for PCOS. A private diagnosis for PCOS with a private consultant gynaecologist is a faster route.

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is a common hormonal condition that affects people with ovaries, usually during the reproductive years.

In PCOS, the ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male-type hormones). This hormonal imbalance can affect ovulation and metabolism.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include:

• Irregular periods or no periods
• Difficulty getting pregnant (because ovulation may not occur regularly)
• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back (hirsutism)
• Acne or oily skin
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Dark patches of skin (often around the neck, armpits, or groin)
• Multiple small follicles (“cysts”) on the ovaries seen on ultrasound

Despite the name, not everyone with PCOS actually has cysts.

The exact cause isn’t fully known, but it is linked to:

• Insulin resistance
• Genetics (runs in families)
• Hormone imbalance

If untreated, PCOS can increase the risk of:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Endometrial (uterine) cancer
• Fertility problems

There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with:

• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight management)
• Hormonal contraception to regulate periods
• Medications to control hormones or insulin resistance
• Fertility treatments if pregnancy is desired
• Medications for acne or excess hair

How private PCOS diagnosis works at MUMS Solihull

Miss Pradhan or Miss Woodhead confirm PCOS using a combination of:

1. Medical history & symptom review (periods, acne, hair growth, fertility issues)
2. Blood tests - see panel below
3. Pelvic ultrasound scan – to check the ovaries
4. Consultation – Gynaecologist and sometimes – Endocrinology Input

Diagnosis is normally made if two of the following are present:

• Irregular or absent ovulation/periods
• Signs of high androgens (acne, excess hair, hair thinning)
• Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

A scan and consultation with Miss Pradhan or Miss Woodhead costs £420.00 and includes a report to your NHS GP or Consultant.

The MU19 PCOS blood test panel costs £235.00 and includes:

• Testosterone
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
• LH
• FSH
• 17 Hydroxyprogesterone
• Oestradiol
• DHAS
• Androstenedione

NHS waiting times can cause anxiety when all that you want and need is peace of mind, rapid access to diagnosis and treatment.

Miss Pradhan and Miss Woodhead are Private Consultant Gynaecologists who specialises in the diagnosis and treatments of PCOS – privately at MUMS Solihull

You can book online or call us on 0121 704 2669