Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting around 1 in 10 women. Despite being so prevalent, many women wait years for a clear diagnosis, are told their symptoms are normal, or receive a partial diagnosis based on blood tests alone without ultrasound confirmation.
At AristoGP, Dr Anastasia Mermigka offers a dedicated PCOS assessment that combines clinical evaluation with pelvic ultrasound in a single 45-minute appointment. A formal PCOS diagnosis requires assessment of at least two of three criteria: irregular or absent periods, hormonal signs of androgen excess, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. Dr Mermigka assesses all three in one visit and provides a written report the same day.
What the PCOS Assessment Includes
- Clinical consultation: A detailed review of your symptoms including cycle irregularity, acne, excess hair growth, scalp hair thinning, weight changes, and any previous investigations or diagnoses. Your fertility plans and any relevant family history are also discussed.
- Pelvic ultrasound: Transvaginal ultrasound to assess ovarian morphology including follicle count per ovary and ovarian volume. Polycystic ovarian morphology is defined as 20 or more follicles per ovary, or an ovarian volume greater than 10ml. The scan also evaluates the uterine lining and excludes other causes of your symptoms.
- Androgen assessment: Clinical evaluation of signs of androgen excess including acne distribution, hirsutism pattern, and scalp changes.
- Written diagnostic report: A formal report documenting the Rotterdam criteria assessment, scan findings, clinical conclusion, and a personalised management plan.
What You Leave With
- A clear answer on whether your symptoms and ultrasound findings meet the diagnostic criteria for PCOS
- A written report with Dr Mermigka findings, the Rotterdam criteria assessment, and her clinical conclusion
- A personalised management plan covering cycle regulation, androgen management, metabolic monitoring, and fertility considerations where relevant
- A clear explanation of what PCOS means for your long-term health and what monitoring you may need
Who Should Have a PCOS Assessment?
Consider a PCOS assessment if you have any of the following:
- Irregular periods, infrequent periods, or periods that have stopped
- Acne that has persisted beyond your teenage years, particularly on the jaw, chin, or chest
- Excess hair growth on the face, abdomen, or thighs
- Scalp hair thinning or hair loss
- Weight gain that is difficult to manage despite lifestyle changes
- Difficulty conceiving or a previous diagnosis of anovulation
- A previous scan showing polycystic-looking ovaries without a formal diagnosis
- A close family member with PCOS
You do not need to have all of these symptoms. The assessment determines which Rotterdam criteria you meet and whether a formal diagnosis is appropriate.
Optional Blood Tests
Blood tests are not included in the assessment fee but can be arranged at the clinic if Dr Mermigka recommends them. For a PCOS assessment, relevant tests typically include LH, FSH, testosterone, SHBG and free androgen index (to quantify androgen excess), fasting glucose and fasting insulin (to assess insulin resistance), and thyroid function (TSH) to exclude thyroid disease as a cause of cycle irregularity. Samples are processed by TDL with most results in 24 to 72 hours. Results are reviewed by Dr Mermigka and sent to you by email with a written explanation at no additional charge.
About Dr Anastasia Mermigka
Dr Mermigka is a female consultant gynaecologist with specialist expertise in reproductive medicine, gynaecological ultrasound, and the diagnosis and management of hormonal conditions including PCOS. She holds full GMC registration and sees patients at AristoGP, 1-5 Portpool Lane, London EC1N 7UU, near Chancery Lane.
Pricing and Booking
PCOS Assessment — £300
45-minute consultation with Dr Mermigka, transvaginal pelvic ultrasound, Rotterdam criteria assessment, written diagnostic report and management plan. No referral needed.
Select A2 — Gynaecology Consultation + Pelvic Ultrasound when booking.
Book PCOS Assessment — £300Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for a PCOS assessment?
No. You can book directly at AristoGP without a referral. Select A2 when booking online.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
PCOS is diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria, which requires at least two of three findings: irregular or absent periods, clinical or biochemical signs of androgen excess, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. A blood test alone is not sufficient to diagnose or exclude PCOS. Ultrasound is essential.
Can PCOS be confirmed with a blood test alone?
No. Blood tests can support the diagnosis by quantifying androgen levels and assessing for insulin resistance, but the ultrasound component is required under the Rotterdam criteria. Many women with normal hormone blood results still have PCOS when the ultrasound is performed.
I have been told I have polycystic ovaries. Is that the same as PCOS?
No. Polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound (the appearance of multiple follicles) is one of the three Rotterdam criteria, but it alone does not mean you have PCOS. Around 20 to 30 percent of women have polycystic-looking ovaries without the syndrome. A full assessment is needed to determine whether a PCOS diagnosis applies.
How much does a PCOS assessment cost in London?
The AristoGP PCOS assessment costs £300. This includes the consultation with Dr Mermigka, pelvic ultrasound, Rotterdam criteria assessment, and written report with management plan. Blood tests are arranged separately if recommended and results are reviewed at no extra charge.
What does PCOS management involve?
Management depends on your main concerns. For cycle regulation, hormonal treatment is often appropriate. For androgen symptoms such as acne or excess hair, specific medications and lifestyle changes are effective. For women trying to conceive, ovulation induction may be recommended. Dr Mermigka will outline the options relevant to your situation in the written report.