Treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal condition that can affect periods, skin, hair growth, weight, metabolism, and fertility. Symptoms vary, but commonly include irregular cycles, acne, excess facial or body hair, weight changes, and difficulty with ovulation.

PCOS is not managed well with a one-size-fits-all plan. Our doctors assess your symptoms alongside hormone levels, thyroid function, metabolic health, insulin resistance, lifestyle factors, and fertility goals where relevant.

Treatment is based on what is driving your symptoms. Your plan may include hormonal treatment, metabolic support, nutrition and lifestyle guidance, acne or hair-growth management, or fertility-focused care if needed.

The aim is to manage the condition properly, reduce symptoms, and support long-term hormonal and metabolic health.

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What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic condition that affects how the ovaries function. It’s characterised by higher levels of androgens (such as testosterone) and disrupted ovulation, which can lead to irregular or absent periods, acne, and unwanted facial or body hair.

Many women with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively. Over time, this can contribute to weight gain, sugar cravings, fatigue, and skin changes if not properly managed.

While PCOS is common, its effects are unique to each person, which is why an individualised assessment and treatment plan is essential for long-term wellbeing.

Female Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT consultation

Common Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS can show up differently for everyone, but some of the most frequent symptoms include:

Irregular, infrequent or missed periods
Acne or oily skin, often with excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
Scalp hair thinning or shedding
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, even with lifestyle changes
Fatigue, brain fog or low mood
Fertility challenges due to irregular or unpredictable ovulation

If you recognise several of these symptoms, it’s worth booking a comprehensive hormone and metabolic assessment. Identifying the underlying drivers early can make treatment far more effective.

Female Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT showing the product to client

What Causes PCOS?

The exact cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) isn’t fully understood, but it’s usually the result of several interacting factors; including genetics, hormones, and metabolism. These underlying drivers can disrupt how the ovaries function and how the body regulates key hormones like insulin and testosterone.

Common contributing factors include:

Insulin resistance: when cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar and insulin levels. This can increase androgen (male hormone) production, which interferes with ovulation.
Hormonal imbalance: raised luteinising hormone (LH) and androgens can disrupt the normal rhythm of ovulation (anovulation).
Inflammation and metabolic changes: subtle, chronic inflammation can affect how the body regulates glucose, cholesterol, and reproductive hormones.
Genetic predisposition: PCOS often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary component.

Understanding which of these factors are influencing your symptoms is the first step toward effective treatment, which is why comprehensive hormonal and metabolic testing is central to our approach at Omniya.

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What Treatments are Available For PCOS?

Female hormone replace therapy (HRT) GP wellness check Health coaching Hormones MOT program

How We Diagnose PCOS at Omniya

At Omniya Clinic in Knightsbridge, your clinician will begin with a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. PCOS is a clinical diagnosis supported by targeted investigations, only where useful, to understand your hormone and metabolic profile.

Your diagnostic pathway may include:

Blood tests: assessing androgen levels, LH/FSH ratio, and AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) when appropriate, alongside markers such as fasting glucose or HbA1c, lipids, thyroid function, ferritin/iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
Pelvic ultrasound referral (if indicated): to assess ovarian appearance and endometrial health, particularly if periods are irregular or absent.
Medication and lifestyle review: identifying factors that may contribute to hormonal imbalance, such as stress, sleep, nutrition, or current medication use.

You’ll leave your consultation with a clear, evidence-based plan and a follow-up schedule designed to track progress and optimise your results.

How We Treat PCOS at Omniya

PCOS management is always personalised, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes. Treatment plans often combine medical therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle support, helping to restore hormonal balance and long-term wellbeing.

Common treatment options include:

Hormonal therapy: where appropriate, your clinician may prescribe medications that regulate periods, lower androgen levels, and improve ovulation. These can include anti-androgen medicines such as spironolactone, flutamide, finasteride, or cyproterone acetate, which help reduce acne and excess hair growth.
Metabolic support: if insulin resistance is present, lifestyle changes and medications that improve insulin sensitivity can help manage symptoms and protect long-term health.
Weight management and nutrition: even modest, sustainable weight reduction can significantly improve hormone balance and treatment response. Our Weight Loss Consultation service provides tailored dietary and metabolic guidance.
Laser Hair Removal: for women experiencing facial or body hair due to elevated androgen levels. The laser targets melanin in the hair follicle to reduce regrowth without damaging surrounding skin.
Hormones MOT Programme: for a comprehensive overview of hormonal health and metabolic markers, guiding a more targeted treatment plan.

Our goal is to help you feel balanced, confident, and in control, not just managing symptoms, but addressing their root causes.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) FAQs

How can diet help with polycystic ovary syndrome?

A balanced diet is one of the most effective tools for managing PCOS. Prioritising lean protein, high-fibre foods, and minimally processed carbohydrates helps stabilise blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance, one of the main drivers of symptoms. Balanced plates with consistent meal timing can reduce cravings, improve energy, and support weight management. Many patients also benefit from resistance training or strength-based exercise, which improves insulin sensitivity and hormone balance.

Is PCOS curable?

There is currently no cure for PCOS, but symptoms are highly manageable. With a comprehensive plan that addresses hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle, many women experience more regular cycles, clearer skin, improved hair growth patterns, and better energy levels. Early diagnosis and ongoing care can also reduce long-term risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Can I get pregnant with PCOS?

Yes. Many women with PCOS conceive naturally once hormonal balance and insulin sensitivity improve. In some cases, fertility medications or assisted reproductive treatments may be recommended.

How long until I see results?

Timeframes vary depending on your symptoms and treatment plan. Some notice improvements in energy, skin, or mood within a few weeks, while cycle regulation, ovulation, and body composition changes may take several months. Your clinician will review your progress regularly and adjust your plan to optimise results.

Can PCOS be reversed with weight loss?

While PCOS itself isn’t reversible, even a small percentage reduction in body weight (if relevant) can improve hormone balance, menstrual regularity, and insulin sensitivity.