Alex Allan has sparked fresh debate about care for polycystic ovary syndrome after she said advice for the condition has not shifted in 30 years. She described feeling “sad” that treatment for PCOS still relies on the same core measures she received decades ago, such as lifestyle changes and hormonal contraception. Many women who live with PCOS say her words reflect their own experience. They report long waits for a diagnosis, repeated referrals, and a narrow menu of treatments once they finally reach a clinic. Clinicians and researchers continue to update guidance, yet patients often see little difference in day-to-day care.
Her comments arrive as health leaders in the UK promise to close the gender health gap. Women’s health advocates say PCOS, a leading cause of ovulatory infertility and a lifelong metabolic condition, deserves consistent attention. They argue that the NHS needs clearer pathways, better training in primary care, and stronger support for mental health. Allan’s account gives that case a human face, and it underscores a wider call: make care timely, joined-up and evidence-led.
When and where it happened
BBC News published the report on Monday, 17 November 2025, in the UK. The story centres on a UK patient and speaks to care standards across NHS services.
A patient’s frustration puts PCOS progress under the spotlight
Allan’s remarks have resonated because many women with PCOS recognise the pattern she describes. They hear advice to lose weight, exercise more, and consider the combined oral contraceptive pill to regulate periods. They often see little change when they return for follow-up. Health bodies estimate that PCOS affects around 8–13% of women of reproductive age worldwide. That figure explains why patient advocates push for better care, clearer information, and practical support that fits real lives.
Patient groups in the UK say women seek answers not only for irregular periods and fertility worries, but also for acne, excess hair growth and weight gain. Many also need help with anxiety and low mood. The same groups report that women often struggle to find reliable information. They want doctors to explain risks, treatment choices and long-term monitoring in plain language. Allan’s words echo that need for clear, consistent communication as part of routine care.
What PCOS is and how doctors diagnose it
Doctors use a set of criteria to diagnose PCOS and rule out other causes. Most clinics follow the Rotterdam criteria, first agreed in 2003. A diagnosis rests on two of three features: irregular or absent ovulation, clinical or biochemical signs of excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Doctors also run blood tests to check hormone levels and to assess glucose control and lipids. Those tests help them shape a plan that fits each patient’s symptoms and risks.
PCOS affects more than periods and fertility. Many women with PCOS show insulin resistance, which can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic problems over time. Clinicians therefore track blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. They also ask about mood, sleep and weight. These checks matter because PCOS unfolds across a life course. Early support and