DR HILARY...DR HILARY...DR HILARY...DR HILARY...

DR HILARY'S DIAGNOSIS

PCOS affects one in 20 women and its severity can vary.

It’s a genetic disorder and the underlying hormone imbalance is not ‘curable’ in the normal sense.

Symptoms include excess body hair, irregular periods, a tendency to put on weight and infertility, so Jane’s experience is fairly typical.

She’s right to keep her weight down with a healthy diet and exercise.

She needs to watch her sugar intake, though.

Too much of the sweet stuff isn’t good for PCOS sufferers because they are more resistant to insulin, which controls blood sugar, they are more prone to becoming diabetic.

Taking the medication Metformin, which lowers the risk of diabetes, is something Jane could consider in the future.

In terms of fertility, Jane may need to take drugs to boost ovulation but there’s no reason why she shouldn’t be able to have another baby – and pregnancy won’t worsen her condition.

'Can I still conceive naturally?'

EVERY WEEK A CELEB ASKS OUR FABULOUS DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS. THIS WEEK IT’S CORONATION STREET'S JANE DANSON, 29

I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which means there are cysts on my ovaries.

I found out I had it five years ago when I started to develop excess hair around my neck.

At the same time, I was feeling tired and lethargic and the gaps between my periods were longer than normal.

As Coronation Street’s Leanne Battersby, millions of TV viewers watch me every week.

The excess hair made me self-conscious, so I went to see my GP.

She offered me the pill to balance out my hormones, but I was worried it would just mask the problem.

Instead, I read up on PCOS and learned how cutting out sugary foods would help.

I also stopped drinking coffee and tea and started to exercise more.

My symptoms soon improved.

My main worry, though, was the hidden symptom of PCOS – infertility.

I’d just got married and wanted a family with my husband, actor Robert Beck, 37.

Fortunately I got pregnant straight away and our son Harry is now 20 months.

I try to stick to the recommended diet and exercise, but with a sweet tooth and a lively toddler, it’s hard.

Still, I don’t seem to have symptoms any more, so does that mean I’m cured?

I worry that having Harry was a fluke.

So if I do try for another baby, will I have problems getting pregnant?

Coronation Street is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, ITV1.

Words: Sue Crawford; Photography: www.celebritypictures.co.uk

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