Polycystic Ovary Syndrome impact on weight and fertility

Lydia Collins began her battle with PCOS symptoms such as excess weight, acne, and irregular periods from the worryingly young age of 17.

Lydia now hopes her story can inspire others on their fertility journey.

Lydia said: “Before I started trying for a baby, I regarded my PCOS symptoms as just a hassle more than anything else.”

However, when she struggled to conceive in her late twenties, the reality of the condition hit home.

Overcoming fertility challenges: victory over PCOS and weight loss (Image: Submitted)

PCOS, affecting one in eight women, creates a hormone imbalance that can disrupt ovulation and cause infertility.

Following her move to the Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border, Lydia began fertility treatment at Bourn Hall Clinic in Norfolk.

Dr Nausheen Mawal, Lead Clinician for Bourn Hall’s Norfolk clinics, declared PCOS often leads to high insulin levels and testosterone, the 'male' hormone.

The resulting hormonal imbalance can cause fluid-filled follicles on the ovaries, rendering eggs immature and leading to irregular cycles.

After PCOS made natural conception difficult, she faced another hurdle - weight.

Lydia had to lose weight before she could try ovulation induction treatment, a treatment designed to make ovulation predictable.

Lydia managed to lose an impressive four stone during lockdown, gaining access to her NHS-funded IVF treatment at Bourn Hall's Norwich clinic.

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Beating the odds, the treatment worked first time for Lydia and partner Ben.

“When I did the pregnancy test and it was positive we couldn’t believe it,” said Lydia.

Their son, Rylo, was born in July 2022.

After years battling her PCOS and weight issues, Lydia is proud and emotional to finally be a mum.

“I feel as though I have been on the longest journey ever," she shared, reflecting on her victory over PCOS.