Yesterday, the APPG’s parliamentary panel discussion brought together leading experts from across the system, including Dr Nighat Arif (GP and broadcaster), Professor Aled Rees (Cardiff University), Dr Sue Mann (NHS England), and representatives from Verity .
A clear message emerged: PCOS is still not being taken seriously enough as a lifelong, multisystem condition. Professor Rees stressed the need to move away from a narrow reproductive focus and instead adopt a life-course approach, identifying patients earlier, particularly in adolescence, and supporting them long-term. Others echoed this, calling for care that reflects a “plan for life”, not just pregnancy.
From a frontline perspective, Dr Arif highlighted the importance of holistic diagnosis, including mental health and cultural context, and warned that over-reliance on ultrasound can delay diagnosis. Meanwhile, Rachel Morman from Verity emphasised the patient reality: over 70% remain undiagnosed, and many are left to navigate and coordinate their own care.
Dr Sue Mann acknowledged that the system has “not served women with PCOS in the best possible way”, pointing to gaps in access and the need for more joined-up services. Speakers agreed that Women’s Health Hubs offer a key opportunity to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary care, but only if implemented consistently.
Across the discussion, there was strong consensus that education, earlier diagnosis, and equitable access to care must be central to reform, with PCOS needing far greater priority within the wider women’s health agenda.