Breaking the cycle – A turning point for PCOS care?

A landmark Government inquiry into polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has revealed the care system for those living with PCOS is failing at nearly every turn.

What is the report and who is responsible for it?

The All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)’s report, released on 7 September 2025, considered the lived experiences of more than 2,000 patients as well as Freedom of Information Act (FOI) requests to all 42 Integrated Care Boards in England.

The APPG on PCOS is a cross‑party group of MPs and peers in the UK Parliament advocating for PCOS sufferers. It was established in 2025 to raise awareness and drive policy change on the condition and is the first forum in Westminster dedicated to exploring the issues facing those living with PCOS.

What is the outcome of the inquiry?

The report is another stark reminder that women’s health is not a priority. Some of the key findings in the report include:

• Diagnostic delays

More than one-third of women have waited more than four years to receive a diagnosis – an unacceptable delay. PCOS is not a rare or obscure condition – it affects approximately one in eight people who menstruate.

The fight for healthcare does not end upon diagnosis. An eye-watering 38% of patients received no support after receiving their belated diagnosis. This neglect points not merely to individual failings, but to systemic shortcomings. For many, a diagnosis without direction adds insult to injury.

• Postcode lotteries

The APPG laid bare the inconsistencies and stark inequalities in PCOS care across regions. It seems where patients live increasingly determines the quality – and even the existence – of care. This is fuelled by the absence of national NICE guidelines for PCOS, meaning GPs often rely on individual judgement rather than a consistent standard of care.

Why does diagnosis matter?

PCOS can have serious long-term health impacts if left unmanaged. Beyond fertility challenges, individuals with PCOS are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer.

Additionally, two key features of PCOS are hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. These can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and metabolic issues. Mental health is also affected, with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

Early diagnosis and ongoing management through lifestyle changes, medication, and medical monitoring are crucial to reduce these risks and improve quality of life for those living with PCOS over the long term.

What’s next?

Last year, in the aftermath of the Autumn Budget, I wrote a blog on the economic impact of a women’s health strategy. With an additional £22.6 billion announced for day-to-day spending on the Department of Health and Social Care, perhaps some of this can be funnelled into PCOS treatment.

The report’s leading voices call for urgent reforms and we back these as a starting point to improve the lives of PCOS sufferers:

• National guidelines
• Improved clinician training
• Inclusion of PCOS in the broader Women’s Health Strategy

We welcome this report as a sign that women’s health is being taken seriously. But this inquiry must not become lip service – it must pave the way for care pathways to be established on a national basis.

Are you affected?

If you think you might have PCOS symptoms, check out Verity – the patient advocacy group for PCOS that aims to raise awareness around the condition.