PMOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects roughly one in ten women, and many spend years being told that the pill is their only option, or that their symptoms are just something to manage rather than resolve.

As a GP and functional medicine doctor, I take a different view. PCOS is a systemic hormonal and metabolic condition. The ovaries are where we see the effects, but the root causes are usually elsewhere -  in how your body handles insulin, how your stress response is functioning, and what's happening in your gut.

What PCOS actually is

PCOS is characterised by elevated androgens (male hormones), irregular or absent periods, and often, though not always, the presence of multiple small follicles on the ovaries. Symptoms vary widely but commonly include:

• Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods

• Difficulty losing weight, particularly around the abdomen

• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)

• Acne, particularly along the jaw and chin

• Fatigue, low mood, or brain fog

• Difficulty conceiving

No two women with PCOS are exactly the same, which is why a personalised approach is so important.

Why conventional treatment often falls short

The standard NHS approach to PCOS typically involves the contraceptive pill to regulate periods, and metformin if there are blood sugar concerns. For many women, this manages symptoms without addressing the underlying cause, meaning that when they stop the pill, the symptoms return.

I'm not dismissive of conventional treatments; sometimes, they are exactly what's needed. But I also believe that for many women with PCOS, understanding and addressing the root drivers of the condition can lead to lasting improvement rather than indefinite management.

A functional medicine approach to PCOS

In my practice, I begin by understanding your individual pattern of PCOS. There are several distinct subtypes, each with different underlying drivers, and the approach that works well for one woman may not be right for another.

I look closely at:

• Insulin resistance - the most common driver, present in up to 70% of women with PCOS, even those who appear slim

• Inflammation -  chronic low-grade inflammation can worsen hormone imbalance

• Gut health -  the gut microbiome plays a direct role in oestrogen metabolism and androgen clearance

• HPA axis function -  how your stress response and cortisol affect your cycle

• Thyroid health - often an overlooked co-factor in PCOS

What to expect

A first functional medicine consultation is 60 minutes. Before we meet, I'll ask you to complete a detailed health questionnaire so we can make the most of our time together. During the consultation, we'll review your full history, current symptoms, and any previous test results.

Depending on what we find, I may recommend advanced functional testing — such as a comprehensive hormone panel, gut microbiome analysis, or metabolic markers — to build a clearer picture. From there, I create a personalised plan that may include nutritional adjustments, targeted supplements, lifestyle changes, and where appropriate, conventional medication.

My goal is not just to help you manage PCOS, but to help you understand your body and feel genuinely well.

Ready to take a different approach to your PCOS? Book a consultation — same-week appointments usually available.