Services
Polycystic ovary syndrome
One of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age, and one of the most misunderstood.
The name is unhelpful. PCOS is not really a problem of cysts — it is a hormonal and metabolic imbalance that happens to produce a particular appearance on an ultrasound. Underneath most cases sit two things: raised androgens, and very often insulin resistance.
How it shows up
- Irregular, infrequent or absent periods — usually the first clue
- Weight that is difficult to shift, particularly around the abdomen
- Excess hair growth on the face, chest or back
- Acne or oily skin persisting well beyond the teenage years
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Difficulty conceiving
You do not need all of these. Many women have two or three.
How it is diagnosed
There is no single test. Under the Rotterdam criteria, a diagnosis needs at least two of three features: irregular ovulation, signs of excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries on a scan — with other conditions excluded first. Because two of the three come from history and blood tests, a scan supports the diagnosis but is not always essential.
What actually helps
Treatment follows what matters to you now — regular cycles, skin and hair, or fertility. A modest reduction in weight can restore ovulation on its own. Beyond that there are effective options for cycle regulation, for androgen-driven skin and hair changes, and for supporting ovulation if you are trying to conceive.
Risks and what to expect
Hormonal treatment, medication for skin and hair, and ovulation induction each carry their own risks, which depend on the treatment chosen and your medical history.
Every procedure carries risk, and the risks that matter most depend on you — your history, your anatomy and your general health. They will be explained to you in full, in writing, before you are asked to consent to anything.
Any recovery times given here are typical rather than guaranteed, and outcomes vary from one person to another.
Every case is different, and what is right for one woman is not right for another. The purpose of a first appointment is to work out which applies to you. Arrange a consultation.
The information on this site reflects current international best practice and peer-reviewed literature, together with Dr Sharma’s own clinical experience. It is general information, not advice for your own situation, and is not a substitute for a consultation.
Talk it through
A consultation is a conversation first. Nothing is booked in until you want it to be.