PCOS Care

Comprehensive PCOS Care: A Personalised Approach to Long-Term Wellbeing

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. The journey to a diagnosis can be long, and the wide range of symptoms—from irregular periods and fertility challenges to acne and weight gain—can leave you feeling frustrated and without a clear direction.

At Happiher, we understand that PCOS is not just a gynaecological issue; it’s a metabolic condition that requires a holistic, long-term management strategy. Our specialist-led PCOS Care service is a comprehensive outpatient program designed to move beyond diagnosis. We work in partnership with you to create a personalised plan that manages your specific symptoms, protects your future health, and empowers you to thrive.

Our Philosophy: Managing PCOS, Not Just a Single Symptom

PCOS manifests differently in every woman. There is no “one size fits all” cure. Our approach is to listen to your unique story and identify what aspects of PCOS affect you most. We then build a strategy around you, focusing on:

• Symptom Control: Targeting the specific symptoms that disrupt your life, whether it’s regulating your cycle, managing skin issues, or addressing hair growth.
• Fertility Optimisation: Providing clear guidance and support if you are trying to conceive.
• Long-Term Health Protection: Proactively managing the metabolic risks associated with PCOS, such as the increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Your Outpatient Journey: A Partnership in Health

Your care is centered around a supportive, ongoing relationship in a calm outpatient setting.

• Step 1: The Diagnostic Consultation: Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation to confirm your diagnosis based on the international criteria (the Rotterdam criteria). This involves a detailed discussion of your menstrual history and symptoms.
• Step 2: Advanced Ultrasound & Blood Tests: We perform a high-resolution pelvic ultrasound scan to look for the characteristic “polycystic” appearance of the ovaries. We also arrange for a panel of blood tests to check your hormone levels (including testosterone) and assess your metabolic health (checking for insulin resistance and your cholesterol profile).
• Step 3: Co-Creating Your Personalised Management Plan: This is a collaborative process. Once we have a complete picture, we will work with you to build a plan that targets your priorities. This can include:
  • Lifestyle and Nutrition Guidance: This is the cornerstone of PCOS management. We provide evidence-based advice on diet and exercise to help improve insulin sensitivity and manage weight.
  • Cycle Regulation: For women not trying to conceive, hormonal treatments like the contraceptive pill or hormonal coil can effectively regulate periods and protect the uterine lining.
  • Managing Hyperandrogenism: We can discuss options to manage symptoms related to high androgen levels, such as acne and unwanted hair growth.
  • Fertility Support: If pregnancy is your goal, we will provide initial guidance and support, which can include ovulation induction treatments.

A Focus on Your Future Health

Our care goes beyond just your immediate symptoms. The hormonal and metabolic imbalances of PCOS require a proactive, long-term health strategy. Our program focuses on:

• Protecting Your Womb: Irregular or absent periods can lead to a thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia). A key part of our management is ensuring your lining is protected to prevent this.
• Monitoring Metabolic Health: We provide a clear plan for regular monitoring of your blood sugar and cholesterol levels to manage your long-term cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I have to be overweight to have PCOS?
   No. While there is a strong link between PCOS and weight, many women with PCOS are of a normal weight (this is sometimes referred to as “lean PCOS”).
2. I have polycystic ovaries on a scan. Does this mean I have PCOS?
   Not necessarily. Having polycystic-appearing ovaries is just one of the three criteria for diagnosis. To be diagnosed with PCOS, you typically need to have at least two of the following: 1) irregular or absent periods, 2) clinical or biochemical signs of high androgens, and 3) polycystic ovaries on a scan.
3. Is there a cure for PCOS?
   There is no “cure,” but PCOS can be very effectively managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments. The goal is to control symptoms and prevent long-term health complications.
4. I don’t want to go on the pill. Are there other options?
   Yes, absolutely. The hormonal coil is an excellent alternative for cycle control and womb protection. We will discuss all hormonal and non-hormonal options with you.

Take Control of Your PCOS Management

You don’t have to navigate this complex condition on your own. We are here to provide the expert guidance and long-term support you need to manage your health effectively.