Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age, yet it is often missed or managed without specialist input for years. If you are struggling with symptoms that feel unexplained — irregular periods, persistent weight changes, skin or hair concerns, or difficulty conceiving — a specialist endocrinology assessment can help identify what is driving them and what options are available to you.

 

Dr Mamta Joshi is a Consultant Endocrinologist with over a decade of clinical experience, practising at Spire St Anthony's Hospital in Cheam, Surrey. She sees patients from across Surrey and South London for private PCOS consultations, bringing specialist-level investigation to a condition that is frequently undermanaged in a general setting.

 

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What is PCOS?

 

PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries work. It is typically associated with higher-than-usual levels of androgens (often called male hormones, though they are present in all women), irregular or absent menstrual cycles, and ovaries that contain multiple small follicles. Not everyone with PCOS experiences all of these features, and the condition presents differently from person to person.

 

PCOS is also closely connected to insulin resistance — a state in which the body's cells respond less efficiently to insulin — which can contribute to weight changes and, over time, to a higher risk of metabolic conditions including type 2 diabetes.

 

The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but there is thought to be a genetic component, and it is one of the more common reasons for irregular periods and fertility concerns in women of reproductive age.

 

 

 

What are the common symptoms of PCOS?

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PCOS can present in a range of ways. Common symptoms include:

 

• Irregular periods, Infrequent periods, or periods that have stopped entirely

• Difficulty conceiving

• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back (hirsutism)

• Hair thinning or hair loss from the scalp

• Acne, particularly on the face, chest, or upper back

• Weight gain or difficulty managing weight

• Skin changes, including darker patches of skin in body creases

 

Not all of these will be present in every patient, and some women have PCOS with few or no outward symptoms. A specialist assessment looks at the full clinical picture rather than a single symptom in isolation.

 

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Why see an endocrinologist for PCOS?

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PCOS involves the hormonal and metabolic systems, and managing it well often means looking beyond the most visible symptoms. A Consultant Endocrinologist brings specialist training in how these systems interact — including the relationship between PCOS, insulin, thyroid function, and metabolic health — which may not be fully assessed in a standard GP appointment.

 

At a private consultation with Dr Joshi, you can expect a thorough clinical assessment, appropriate specialist investigations, and a clear explanation of the findings and the options open to you. The aim is to understand what is driving your symptoms, rather than treating each one separately.

 

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What to expect at your consultation

 

Your first consultation with Dr Joshi will typically involve:

• A detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and any previous investigations

• A discussion of your concerns and what you are hoping to understand or address

• Consideration of appropriate blood tests and, where relevant, an ultrasound scan

• A clear explanation of findings and what they mean for you

• A discussion of the management options available, tailored to your situation

 

No treatment is prescribed without a full assessment.

Dr Joshi's approach is to give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your care.

 

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About Dr Mamta Joshi

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Dr Mamta Joshi is a Consultant Endocrinologist with over ten years of clinical experience in diagnosing and managing endocrine conditions. She completed specialist training at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, and holds membership of the British Society for Endocrinology, the European Society of Endocrinology, the Endocrine Society, and the Royal College of Physicians.

 

Her specialist interests include women's health, PCOS, endocrine autoimmune conditions, and metabolic medicine. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.

 

Dr Joshi practises at Spire St Anthony's Hospital in Cheam, Surrey, and sees patients from across Surrey and South London.