PCOS Advice Remains Stagnant after Three decades, Essex Woman Claims
Essex, UK – An Essex woman is speaking out after claiming the advice given to her following a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis 30 years ago remains largely unchanged today, despite growing understanding of the condition. Sarah Allan, now a mother-of-two, alleges she was told to simply take the contraceptive pill and return when she wanted to start a family, with no further inquiry into the root causes of her symptoms.
PCOS affects approximately one in eight women in the UK, according to the charity Verity. While symptoms vary widely, they can include irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries, perhaps leading to difficulties with fertility, metabolic issues, and psychological distress.Allan’s experience highlights concerns that current treatment approaches often focus on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying complexities of the condition, leaving many women feeling unsupported and misinformed.
At 22, and working in the children’s book industry in London, Allan says she felt “blamed” for her symptoms due to her weight when she sought help from her GP. “There is nothing we can do – go on the pill and come back and see me when you want to have a baby,” she recalls the doctor telling her.Following the appointment, Allan states the surgery offered no further facts.
“One of the symptoms of PCOS can be fertility, but not every woman has that and not every person with PCOS wants to have a baby,” Allan explained. She wasn’t considering having children at the time of her diagnosis. She believes the standard practise of prescribing the contraceptive pill is insufficient. “It’s not really getting to the root cause of your condition. I don’t think it should be a bog standard – one-size-fits-all approach.”
With limited access to information online at the time, Allan turned to dieting groups, believing her weight was the primary cause of her symptoms. Her story raises questions about the need for more comprehensive and individualized care for women with PCOS,focusing on long-term health and well-being beyond reproductive concerns.
