Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects around one in 10 women in the UK and can start as early as puberty.[1] Teenagers with PCOS can experience symptoms such as irregular periods, excess body hair, acne, and obesity, which can negatively impact their wellbeing and mental health. Dr Pallavi Latthe of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital is leading a pilot study to investigate whether a food supplement called myo-inositol* could provide benefits for teenagers with PCOS. Her findings will help shape the design of a larger clinical trial and could ultimately lead to a safe, effective and accessible new treatment option for young people with PCOS.

How are children’s lives affected now?

While the exact cause of PCOS remains unclear, many women with the condition have an imbalance in certain hormones. If symptoms occur, they usually become noticeable in the teens or early twenties.

“Teenagers with PCOS can have issues such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, weight gain, acne, low self-esteem and anxiety,” says Dr Latthe. “As adults, they are at higher risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fertility problems.”

Although there is currently no cure, lifestyle changes and medications can help manage different symptoms of PCOS. The standard treatment is hormonal contraception, such as the combined pill, which can help regulate periods, improve acne and reduce excess hair growth.

“It’s important to have safe, early and effective treatments for PCOS to help relieve symptoms, boost self-esteem and prevent long-term complications,” says Dr Latthe. “However, many parents are concerned about the potential risks and side effects of hormonal contraceptives for their daughters.”

*Myo-inositol is a form of inositol, a type of sugar made in the body and found in foods. 

How could this research help?

While some studies suggest that daily dietary supplementation with myo-inositol may help regulate periods and improve hormone balance, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits in teenagers with PCOS. 

“We will conduct a pilot study involving 80 teenagers with PCOS, recruited from hospitals across the UK,” says Dr Latthe. “Half will receive myo-inositol, while the other half will receive a placebo (dummy pill), alongside lifestyle advice for six months.”

The results of this study will help shape the design of a larger clinical trial to test whether myo-inositol can help improve symptoms in young people with PCOS.

“If myo-inositol is ultimately proven to be safe and effective, this cheap and widely available supplement could become a recommended treatment option for teenagers with this common condition,” says Dr Latthe.

References

1. NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/ [Website accessed 13 March 2025]

We do not provide medical advice. If you would like more information about a condition or would like to talk to someone about your health, contact NHS Choices or speak to your GP.