Claire had experienced gynaecological issues since she was a teenager, but it wasn’t until her mid-thirties that she was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries and understood how her symptoms had affected her entire life.
In her teenage years Claire suffered with weight gain, acne, and absence of her periods. Even with these symptoms she wasn’t diagnosed by her GP.
In her thirties, Claire experienced bleeding and was diagnosed with a polyp on her ovary. This was removed and Claire was finally told she had polycystic ovaries (PCOS).
“It was an overwhelming experience”, recalls Claire, “I’d had all these symptoms growing up, but no one had ever told me what was wrong.”
After researching PCOS, Claire grew concerned that it could affect her fertility. She made an appointment with her GP to discuss the symptoms and potential problems PCOS could cause.
As luck would have it, Claire’s GP had been to a seminar run by Mr Joseph Aquilina, consultant Obstetrician at The Portland Hospital, prior to Claire’s visit and recommended she made an appointment to see him.
Claire arranged to see Mr Aquilina and was instantly reassured. He performed an internal scan, hormone tests and checked her insulin resistance – as this can play a part in causing PCOS.
He also gave Claire in-depth information about treatment for her skin and explained how diet can affect PCOS.
Claire said, “Mr Aquilina made me feel so comfortable and was very supportive. He understood how I had struggled with my weight and skin since I was a teenager and all the symptoms I had experienced just seemed to slot into place.
I understand myself so much better now and know how to manage my condition and reduce the symptoms associated with PCOS. I only wish I had known all of this when I was younger.”
Claire visits Mr Aquilina once a year to check her medication and make sure her condition is being managed well.
According to Claire, Mr Aquilina has changed her life.
