PCOS & Women's Hormone Health

GP-Led Diagnosis & Treatment in Surbiton

Book Consultation Learn More
CQC Registered
GMC Registered Doctors
Same-Day Available

Women's Hormone Health Beyond the NHS

Many women experience significant delays in receiving hormone health assessments through the NHS, often waiting months for appointments with minimal testing. At Lambert Medical Practice, our experienced GPs provide swift, thorough hormone health evaluations with comprehensive testing available during your first appointment.

Whether you're experiencing irregular periods, investigating fertility concerns, or seeking answers about hormonal imbalance, our private GP service offers a personalised approach with detailed hormone analysis and individualised treatment planning. We understand the impact that hormonal conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid dysfunction have on your quality of life, and we're committed to identifying underlying causes and providing effective management strategies.


What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Characterised by irregular or absent periods, elevated androgen (male hormone) levels, and multiple small cysts on the ovaries (visible on ultrasound), PCOS significantly impacts fertility, metabolism, and overall wellbeing.

Common PCOS Symptoms
Symptom Impact
Irregular or absent periods Unpredictable cycles, difficulty predicting ovulation
Excess hair growth (hirsutism) Facial and body hair, affecting confidence
Acne and oily skin Persistent breakouts, skin concerns
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight Metabolic insulin resistance
Fertility challenges Anovulation (no ovulation), reduced fertility
Mood changes and anxiety Hormonal fluctuations affecting mental health
Hormonal Drivers of PCOS

PCOS typically involves several hormonal imbalances:

  • Elevated LH/FSH ratio: An imbalance between luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone prevents normal ovulation
  • High testosterone and androgens: Excess male hormones cause excess hair growth, acne, and male-pattern hair loss
  • Insulin resistance: Up to 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, driving weight gain and increasing metabolic disease risk

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of PCOS requires a combination of clinical assessment, hormone blood tests, and imaging. At Lambert Medical Practice, we provide comprehensive testing to confirm diagnosis and identify underlying hormonal drivers.

Blood Tests We Run
  • LH and FSH: Assess reproductive hormone balance (elevated LH/FSH ratio suggestive of PCOS)
  • Testosterone and SHBG: Measure androgen excess and sex hormone binding globulin
  • AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Assesses ovarian reserve and follicle quantity
  • Thyroid Function (TSH, T4, T3): Essential to rule out thyroid dysfunction causing similar symptoms
  • Fasting Glucose and Insulin: Evaluate insulin resistance and metabolic status
  • Oestradiol and Progesterone: Assess oestrogen and progesterone levels throughout the cycle

Pelvic Ultrasound: If clinically indicated, we can refer you for a pelvic ultrasound to visualise the ovaries and confirm polycystic morphology. This can typically be arranged within 1-2 weeks through our private imaging partners.


Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing significant pain and sometimes infertility. It affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and is frequently under-diagnosed.

Endometriosis Symptoms
  • Severe period pain (dysmenorrhoea) that interferes with daily life
  • Chronic pelvic pain, particularly before and during menstruation
  • Pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged periods
  • Infertility or difficulty conceiving
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Bowel or bladder symptoms

Diagnosis of endometriosis requires specialist imaging (typically MRI) or, definitively, laparoscopic surgery. Our GPs will assess your symptoms, arrange appropriate imaging referrals, and provide management options including pain relief strategies, hormonal therapies, and specialist gynaecology referrals. We can also refer to NHS services for specialist endometriosis centres where appropriate.


Hormonal Imbalance: Beyond the Basics

Hormonal imbalance can manifest in numerous ways, affecting energy, mood, metabolism, and sexual function. Beyond PCOS, common hormonal issues include:

Oestrogen Dominance

Relative or absolute excess of oestrogen compared to progesterone can cause breast tenderness, bloating, heavy periods, mood swings, and weight gain. This may result from inadequate progesterone production, excessive oestrogen production, or poor oestrogen metabolism.

Low Progesterone

Insufficient progesterone production (luteal phase defect) may cause irregular or heavy periods, mood disturbances, anxiety, insomnia, and reduced fertility. This is particularly common in PCOS and during perimenopause.

Thyroid Dysfunction

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) causes fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, depression, and slowed metabolism. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can present with anxiety, palpitations, weight loss, and tremor. Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's and Graves') are common in women and often coexist with PCOS and other hormonal conditions.

Elevated Cortisol

Chronic stress and elevated cortisol can exacerbate PCOS symptoms, worsen insulin resistance, promote abdominal weight gain, impair fertility, and disrupt immune function. Cortisol testing can help identify adrenal stress and guide lifestyle interventions.


What We Test At Lambert

Our comprehensive hormone testing packages provide detailed assessment of your hormonal status. Choose from our specialist panels or discuss a bespoke testing approach with your GP.

Female Hormone Panel

LH, FSH, testosterone, SHBG, oestradiol, progesterone, AMH

From £120
Thyroid Panel

TSH, free T4, free T3, thyroid peroxidase antibody

From £65
Metabolic Panel

Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile

From £70
Androgen Screen

Total testosterone, free testosterone, DHEA-S, androstenedione

From £90

How It Works

Our straightforward appointment process ensures you receive comprehensive assessment and testing without the NHS waiting time.

1
Book Your Appointment

Select your preferred time online or call us. Same-day appointments often available.

2
Blood Test & GP Review

Our phlebotomist performs your blood test during the appointment. Your GP reviews your medical history and symptoms in detail.

3
Results & Treatment Plan

Results typically available within 3-5 days. We provide a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.


What Our Patients Say


Frequently Asked Questions

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It's characterised by irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound. The condition can significantly impact fertility, metabolism, and overall wellbeing.

At Lambert Medical Practice, we can perform comprehensive blood testing on the same day of your appointment. Results are typically available within 3-5 working days. Our GPs can then discuss findings and create a personalised treatment plan at a follow-up consultation or by telephone.

Our PCOS screening includes LH and FSH (reproductive hormones), testosterone and SHBG (androgen markers), AMH (ovarian reserve), thyroid function (TSH, T4, T3), fasting glucose and insulin levels, cortisol, and oestradiol and progesterone. We may also refer for pelvic ultrasound if clinically indicated.

Endometriosis diagnosis requires specialist imaging (typically MRI or laparoscopy). However, our GPs can assess your symptoms, arrange appropriate imaging referrals, and provide management options including pain relief, hormone therapy, and specialist gynaecology referrals on the NHS if needed.

Treatment depends on your symptoms and goals. Options include lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, weight management), hormonal contraception, metformin for insulin resistance, anti-androgen medications, and fertility support. We provide personalised recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

For PCOS and hormone testing, we typically recommend fasting for 8-10 hours before your appointment to ensure accurate glucose and insulin measurements. We'll confirm any specific preparation requirements when you book your appointment.