Calls for PCOS support after patient's £3k costs

A woman who has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is calling for more support for patients after she paid more than £3,100 for treatment.

Health bosses said the condition affected a person's metabolism and the function of the ovaries.

Jessica Pinel, who is from Jersey and was diagnosed with PCOS two years ago, said she wanted to raise awareness of the condition, and she had paid for medical care, counselling and ongoing treatment.

Assistant Minister for Women's Health Deputy Andy Howell said: "I really understand how difficult any gynaecological condition is for those concerned."

The NHS said PCOS affected up to one in 10 women in the UK and symptoms included skin problems, hair growth in unwanted places and weight gain.

Ms Pinel said "I had a range of symptoms which started back in my teens" and "for years, I struggled with painful cystic acne, unexplained gut symptoms, extreme fatigue, unwanted hair growth, and painful, heavy periods".

"I needed to target things like my ache, hair growth in unwanted places and hair loss..."

She said others were "struggling" with "more severe symptoms than what I struggled with".

Ms Pinel, who is now a nutritionist, said she used diet and lifestyle to help her cope with the condition.

She said: "It would be great to see the government stepping up and providing some sort of support for women with PCOS and develop a preventative approach...

"I would like to see a strategy on PCOS and other women's health issues, more support for nutritional intervention with more people trained in this area, and personal trainers all coming together to provide a more holistic approach to support women with."

She said since her diagnosis she had "spent £3,159.40 on medical care and symptom management for her PCOS", but that total did not "include the additional costs of supplements, acupuncture, or counselling".

"For many women, managing PCOS can be a financial and emotional burden.

"But I've learned that PCOS doesn't have to be seen as a life sentence."

Consultant gynaecologist Neil MacLachlan has called for the government to do more to teach children about PCOS symptoms and treatment at school.

He said: "If we got into the schools and explained to the teachers what needs to be taught, I don't actually see that being a massive cost and I think there are some quick wins here that could help our youngsters."

Mr MacLachlan said patients often struggled because the condition increased insulin levels which led to weight problems.

He added "the insulin also causes the body to lay down fat" and "prevents the breakdown of fat" which creates "a vicious circle".

Howell said the government was "working hard to further develop our services across Health and Care Jersey and have made a commitment to make things better"

"I really understand how difficult any gynaecological condition is for those concerned and their families, and how debilitating these conditions can be," she said.

"We have already introduced a rapid access gynaecological clinic for anyone with post-menopausal bleeding and we have improved care for those suffering from ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

"There are also GPs with excellent knowledge of gynaecological conditions and how to care for these patients."

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