Women in the UK living with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are experiencing significant gaps in healthcare, according to a new parliamentary report, highlighting serious implications for their long-term health.
The report reveals that over a third of women with PCOS wait more than four years for a diagnosis. Even after being diagnosed, nearly 40% of patients reported receiving no guidance or resources to manage their condition.
PCOS affects around one in eight women of reproductive age in the UK and is associated with a range of health issues, including irregular periods, excess androgen leading to unwanted hair growth, and enlarged ovaries with multiple fluid-filled sacs.
The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on PCOS based its findings on oral evidence sessions, surveys of over 2,000 patients, and freedom of information requests to England’s 42 Integrated Care Boards. The survey found that only 3% of respondents felt adequately supported by healthcare providers, while 28% felt dismissed or not taken seriously.
Experts emphasize that the condition is often treated narrowly as a fertility or gynecological issue, despite its wide-ranging effects on metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health. Dr Itunu Johnson-Sogbetun, GP and founder of the Royal College of GPs’ Women’s Health Special Interest Group, noted: “PCOS is a multisystem condition, yet the NHS frequently treats it narrowly, leading to fragmented care and overlooked long-term risks.”
The report also highlights stark disparities in care, with women from Black and Asian backgrounds up to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed and more likely to experience severe symptoms, such as insulin resistance. The lack of national guidance has created a “postcode lottery,” leaving care dependent on individual clinicians and regional resources.
Michelle Welsh, Labour MP and chair of the APPG on PCOS, said: “If we are serious about improving women’s health, we must act now to break the cycle of neglect.” Rachel Morman, chair of the PCOS charity Verity, added that the inquiry underscores broader failings in the UK’s approach to women’s health and the urgent need for integrated care to manage long-term health risks.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson acknowledged the gaps, emphasizing ongoing measures from the Women’s Health Strategy, including millions of additional appointments, improved training for doctors, and updated guidance on PCOS management.
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