Alison
A difficult labour left Alison with a uterine and vaginal wall prolapse. A keyhole sacrohysteropexy with Mr Broome lifted the uterus back into place and let her go on to have a healthy second baby.
Read moreConditions & Treatments
Polycystic Ovaries
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects around one in ten women of reproductive age in the UK. It is a hormonal condition that affects cycles, skin, weight and fertility.
At The Pelvic Clinic Mr Broome offers a full hormonal work-up, targeted treatment for the symptoms that matter most to you, and long-term management to reduce the risk of diabetes and endometrial problems later on.
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Overview
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
PCOS is a hormonal condition in which the ovaries produce higher levels of male hormones (androgens) and ovulation happens less regularly. Ovaries typically look enlarged with many small follicles on ultrasound.
A diagnosis needs at least two of three features: irregular or absent periods, raised androgens on blood tests or physically, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
What to Look For
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome
Irregular or missed periods
Cycles longer than 35 days, or fewer than eight periods a year.
Acne and oily skin
Adult acne on the face, chest or back that does not respond to normal skincare.
Unwanted hair growth
Extra hair on the face, chest, tummy or back, driven by higher androgen levels.
Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
Weight that settles around the middle and is hard to shift with diet or exercise.
Difficulty conceiving
Ovulation happens less often, making it harder to get pregnant naturally.
Mood changes and fatigue
Low mood, anxiety and tiredness linked to hormonal and metabolic changes.
PCOS is a lifelong condition, but early diagnosis and good management reduce the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and endometrial problems.
What Causes It
Causes of polycystic ovaries
PCOS is driven by an interaction of genetics, insulin resistance and hormones. The main contributors are outlined below.
Insulin resistance
Around 70 per cent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. High insulin levels drive the ovaries to produce more androgens, worsening the hormonal picture.
Genetic predisposition
PCOS runs in families. Having a mother or sister with PCOS significantly increases your own likelihood of developing the condition.
Raised androgens
The ovaries produce higher than normal levels of testosterone, which drives acne, unwanted hair growth and disrupted ovulation.
Weight and inflammation
Higher body weight and low-grade inflammation both worsen insulin resistance and androgen levels, feeding back into the PCOS cycle.
Treatments Available
How we treat polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS is managed, not cured — but with the right combination of lifestyle support, medication and (where wanted) fertility care, symptoms can settle for years.
Lifestyle Programme
Structured guidance on diet, exercise and weight can restore cycles and improve every marker of PCOS. Small, steady changes make a real difference.
Medication
Metformin, the combined pill and anti-androgen treatments target insulin resistance, cycle irregularity, acne and unwanted hair. We tailor the choice to your goals.
Ovulation Induction
A monitored course of tablets to trigger ovulation for women trying to conceive. Often the first fertility step before more intensive treatment.
Mirena Coil
The Mirena protects the womb lining from a build-up caused by absent periods, and reduces bleeding when it does come. A simple long-term option.
About Mr Broome
A senior specialist women travel across the UK to see
Mr Jonathan Broome (MBChB, MRCOG) is a Consultant Gynaecologist known locally and nationally for treating pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and prolapse, alongside heavy or painful periods, endometriosis, fibroids and menopausal problems. He founded The Pelvic Clinic to give women the time, care and clear answers their symptoms deserve.
- Consultant Gynaecologist, MBChB, MRCOG.
- Over 30 papers published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
- A urogynaecology expert consulted by institutions worldwide.
- Keyhole prolapse repair, often without the need for hysterectomy.
In Our Patients’ Words
Treated with discretion and respect
Verified reviews from patients seen by Mr Broome, shared through Doctify.
Real Patient Journeys
Polycystic Ovaries case studies
A snapshot of what treatment for PCOS can look like at The Pelvic Clinic.
Jane
Years of flooding periods and iron-deficiency anaemia caused by fibroids. A keyhole myomectomy with Mr Broome removed the fibroids, restored Jane’s iron levels within three months and brought her cycle back to normal.
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Kate
Kate had been living with severe pelvic pain from endometriosis for over a decade. Laparoscopic excision surgery with Mr Broome removed the deposits and she returned to work and regular exercise pain-free.
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Kaye
After menopause Kaye developed a bothersome vaginal vault prolapse that stopped her running and swimming. A laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with Mr Broome resolved the symptoms and she is back to daily exercise.
Read moreCommon Questions
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions patients ask most often about PCOS, testing and management at The Pelvic Clinic.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
By a combination of a clinical history, blood tests for hormones and metabolic markers, and a pelvic ultrasound. Two of three features are needed for a formal diagnosis.
Does PCOS mean I cannot have children?
No. Most women with PCOS can conceive, often with modest medical help such as ovulation induction. Fertility is one of the most treatable aspects of the condition.
Will I need to lose weight?
Even a 5 to 10 per cent reduction in body weight can restore cycles and improve fertility for women with a raised BMI. Weight is only one factor and treatment supports women at any weight.
What is metformin used for?
It reduces insulin resistance, helping to regulate cycles, restore ovulation and reduce the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes.
Do I need long-term treatment?
PCOS is a long-term condition, but not everyone needs continuous medication. Ongoing review helps target treatment at whichever symptoms matter most at each life stage.
Is PCOS linked to endometrial cancer?
Very infrequent periods allow the womb lining to build up unopposed, which increases long-term risk. A withdrawal bleed or Mirena coil at least every three to four months protects the lining.
What are the risks of untreated PCOS?
Higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and endometrial thickening. Good management brings these risks close to background levels.
Can PCOS be cured?
There is no cure, but PCOS can be managed very effectively. Symptoms often ease with age, and treatment is targeted at what matters most to you.
What can I do about acne and hair growth?
Options include combined oral contraceptives, anti-androgens such as spironolactone, and topical or laser treatment. A tailored plan usually gives the best result.
How quickly can I be seen?
Self-pay and insured patients are usually seen within a week or two. Blood tests and an ultrasound are arranged at or shortly after the first appointment.
