Polycistic ovary syndrome: Welsh sisters’ hunt for PCOS answers

Professor of endocrinology Aled Rees said it had a “huge impact” on a patient’s quality of life.

“It can be difficult to diagnose. The irregular periods, absent periods, challenges with weight gain, unwanted hair growth and challenges around fertility,” he said.

“The frustration is that we don’t have a condition-specific treatment, so we need more research.

“There is a little bit more of awareness now but there’s still a gap.”

Victoria Vasey, the director of Women’s Equality Network Wales, said the findings were not surprising.

“What we hear from members is that this is a profoundly difficult, human condition which has enormous physical health impacts,” said Ms Vasey.

“But partly because of misdiagnosis or late diagnosis and symptoms, it also has a huge mental health impact.

“This is a problem which affects a vast number of women, but if we know it affects women in certain groups, then that helps us with solutions.”

A Welsh government spokesperson said all health boards were expected “to take positive action to improve the experiences and outcomes of women and address any inequalities”.

“This year we appointed the first ever clinical lead for women’s health and established a women’s health network which is developing and taking forward the 10-year women’s health plan for Wales,” it added.

“The plan will focus on a range of women’s health issues, including menstrual health and PCOS. The plan is due to be published by the end of 2024.

“We also announced £750,000 into research focused on women’s health priorities to be launched in 2025.”