Why are women getting misdiagnosed with PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 1 in 10 women in the UK, but despite its prevalence, many women are still being misdiagnosed or left untreated for the condition. This hormonal disorder, which has no singular defining symptom, can often be mistaken for other health issues due to the overlap of its symptoms with other conditions. In fact, the lack of a universal diagnostic standard, combined with factors like insufficient healthcare time and incomplete assessments, can make identifying PCOS a complex challenge. From irregular periods to acne, the varied presentation of PCOS can leave many women struggling to get the right diagnosis and support they need. We spoke to Dr. Kaywaan Khan, Private GP at Hannah London Clinic, who explains why women are still being misdiagnosed with PCOS, and how they can get the help they deserve.
The NIH, Rotterdam, and AE-PCOS criteria each define PCOS differently, requiring the presence of two or more factors such as hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, or polycystic ovaries. This lack of a universal diagnostic standard can lead to confusion, especially in younger women who have just started to get their periods, as symptoms such as acne and irregular periods may be dismissed as normal puberty. As well as this, there is no single, definitive test for PCOS. It can be a complex condition which affects every woman differently, so the diagnosis needs to be based on a combination of factors, including a thorough consultation of their symptoms, physical examinations, and blood tests.
Under the NHS, shorter consultations and limited assessments can cause healthcare practitioners to overlook important clues which might help to make an accurate diagnosis. Tests such as Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) measurements or transvaginal ultrasounds are not always readily available, leading to missed or incomplete diagnoses. Furthermore, women may underreport mild symptoms such as infrequent periods or mild acne, which can further complicate the process of identifying PCOS early and as time goes on, their symptoms can worsen if left untreated. This diversity in presentation further complicates the process of identifying PCOS, reinforcing the need for personalised, comprehensive private support.
Another indicator of PCOS can be difficulty losing weight, as many women with the condition experience insulin resistance, which can cause weight gain. However, not all women with PCOS fit this profile. Some women with PCOS have a healthy BMI or are even underweight, which can lead to misdiagnosis, or the condition being overlooked altogether. Similarly, PCOS symptoms overlap with other conditions like hypothyroidism or adrenal hyperplasia. For example, symptoms such as irregular periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), or acne can be caused by various hormonal issues, making it harder for doctors to identify PCOS without thorough testing.
If you are struggling with your PCOS symptoms, you don’t need to struggle alone, while seeking medication can help ease your symptoms, there are also treatments you can do to help in the meantime. At Hannah London Clinic, we treat various patients with PCOS, offering treatments such as skin tag removal, physiotherapy, laser hair removal, or acne treatment after a thorough 1-1 consultation. We created a PCOS membership at our Hannah London Clinic designed to help you manage your PCOS, including events to attend, a supportive WhatsApp community and nutritional advice for weight management, as well as offering 50% off our treatments.
To speak with one of our PCOS specialists, please visit https://hannahlondon.com/contact/
