What Frankie Bridge's polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis means and advice for sufferers
One in ten women in the UK suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome, including Frankie Bridge and Christine McGuinness.
Josie Copson
Yasmin Griffiths
Frankie Bridge has revealed that she has been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Frankie, 31, told fans on Instagram Stories that she'd been having irregular periods, strong bouts of PMT and was suffering from breakouts on her skin.
Frankie Bridge revealed she has PCOS (Image: instagram.com/frankiebridge)
She explained: "I've just found out actually that I've got polycystic ovaries.
"I had loads of blood tests done a few weeks ago because I was getting irregular periods, I was getting really bad PMT, I was getting really cyst-y spots and really bad skin. And I was finding it hard to lose weight, even though I was eating healthily. Loads of reasons, really – and I found out last week that that's why."
Frankie Bridge reveals she's suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome: 'It explains everything'
Inside Frankie Bridge's family day out to the pumpkin patch with husband Wayne and their sons
The former Saturdays singer, who has sons Parker, six, and Carter, four, with husband Wayne Bridge, is in good company with one in ten UK women suffering from PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome].
Frankie Bridge with husband Wayne and their two sons (Image: Instagram / Frankie Bridge)
Former model Jools Oliver said her periods had always been irregular, and when she faced difficulties conceiving after marrying Jamie Oliver, she discovered the root of the problem.
"I was quite quickly diagnosed with PCOS, which meant that I wasn't ovulating each month like normal," she recalls.
Jools decided to take the drug Clomid, which stimulates ovulation. She said: "I had all the side effects; dizziness, panic attacks, blurred vision. It was awful, but I just thought, keep going."
Jamie Oliver has five children with his wife of 20 years Jools (Image: Instagram / Jamie Oliver)
Her perseverance paid off and the couple now have five children, but Jools says the fertility issues were emotionally draining, admitting: "There was so much pressure on us both. It was especially tough for Jamie because he was working. It's not a nice way to try to get a baby really."
Paddy McGuinness's wife Christine said she felt like a "failure" after PCOS left her struggling to conceive before becoming pregnant with twins Penelope and Leo, in 2013.
Others affected include EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy, now the mother of two daughters, and Bridget Jones's Baby star Emma Thompson, who has one daughter Gaia, 16 (and also an adopted Rwandan son, Tindyebwa).
Christine McGuinness' three children (Image: Christine McGuiness/ Instagram)
According to the NHS, polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormone related condition that can impact hormone levels and affects how your ovaries work. There's no known cause but it often runs in families. It triggers high levels of male hormones which can prevent ovulation (the release of eggs).
This, along with irregular or absent periods, can make it difficult to conceive. But its name comes from the benign fluid-filled sacs (commonly referred to as cysts), which form on the ovaries–something which OK! columnist Kym Marsh has suffered from in the past.
Every individual is different and not all women suffer from the same symptoms, but along with the irregular periods and lack of ovulation, the most common visible signs are acne, weight gain, hair loss and excessive hair growth on the face and body.
Victoria Beckham has admitted: "I had polycystic ovaries before I had Brooklyn. I put on weight and it made my skin bad." And Stars Wars: The Force Awakens actress Daisy Ridely has revealed she sought advice after her skin erupted. "Finally found out I have polycystic ovaries and that's why it's bad," she told her Instagram followers. "I can safely say feeling so self-conscious has left my confidence in tatters. I hate wearing make-up but I currently don't want to leave the house without it on."
Rachel Hawkes, chairwoman of the PCOS charity Verity (www.verity-pcos.org.uk) agrees that some of the symptoms of PCOS can be hard to deal with. "Because it has such horrible masculine symptoms, it can really affect your self-esteem and sense of femininity," she says. "We know of women who are too embarrassed to leave the house, or rush to the bathroom to shave before their husbands wake."
Not all women suffer from the same symptoms of PCOS (Image: Getty)
How can you treat PCOS?
Help is out there. Fertility and PCOS specialist Dr Israel Ortega advises women to make an appointment with their GP. "They may carry out an ultrasound scan and/ or a blood test as part of the exploration process," he explains, adding: "Following a diagnosis, you may be referred to a PCOS specialist who'll be able to advise you on the best way to manage the symptoms." So how is PCOS treated? "Sadly, there is no cure," says DrIsrael. "But there are a number of ways in which patients can manage their symptoms effectively. In some cases, a weight loss programme may be advised to help reduce the effects of PCOS. Studies have shown that in overweight women, a decrease of just five per cent of their body mass can have a positive impact on the condition. And for those suffering from irregular periods, it's often advisable to go on the contraceptive pill which can help regulate their cycle."
Danielle Lloyd goes into hospital for endometriosis surgery as she admits she's 'nervous but happy'
Gemma Collins heartbreakingly reveals she suffered miscarriage during lockdown
Struggling to conceive? Model Danielle Lloyd, now a mother of four boys, has spoken of her fear of being left infertile when she was first planning her family. "I have polycystic ovary syndrome, which can make it hard to conceive," she said. "I've already had surgery on my ovaries, so I won't leave motherhood too late."
If you've similarly been diagnosed and are trying to get pregnant, Dr Israel advises seeing a fertility specialist on your GP's recommendation.
"They'll be able to check if there are any further problems, such as blocked Fallopian tubes, before advising on the best course of medication. Clomifene medicine is often prescribed to encourage the regular release of an egg from the ovaries, but there are a number of other options which can be considered."
Izzy Judd and her McFly drummer husband Harry turned to IVF after she discovered she had PCOS in her twenties. "You feel like you're never going to be the ones who get to say: "We're having a baby," said Izzy. But after welcoming Lola and Kit, Izzy and Harry know only too well that a polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis doesn't have to spell an end to those happy family dreams.