CompletedInterventional

Dietary approaches to the management of polycystic ovary syndrome trial

This study is investigating a new healthcare approach for women aged 18-45 with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who are also overweight. It will explore whether a low-energy, low-carbohydrate eating plan, combined with support from practice nurses, can help with weight loss and improve PCOS symptoms. The main goal is to see if this programme can be successfully delivered through local GP surgeries across the UK. Participants will be invited by their GP and will attend several appointments to monitor their progress. The study hopes to make it easier for people with PCOS to get practical support for their condition closer to home.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2026

Polycystic ovary syndrome: disorders of other endocrine glands

What is this study about?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting many women, often causing symptoms like irregular periods and difficulties with getting pregnant. It can also lead to other health issues. While about 2% of women between 15 and 45 years old are officially diagnosed with PCOS, many more might have it without knowing, making it a condition that needs more attention and better support for those affected.

This study, called POST, is looking into a new way to help women with PCOS manage their symptoms and weight. This approach involves a carefully designed eating plan that is lower in energy and carbohydrates, along with regular support from nurses at local GP practices. The main aim is to see if this programme can be successfully carried out in GP surgeries, as this would make it much easier for women across the country to access help. The study also wants to measure how this approach affects weight and common PCOS symptoms.

The programme has been developed using 'real food' principles to support people in managing their condition themselves. This approach has been tested before in a similar study for people with type 2 diabetes and was found to be effective and manageable for both patients and nurses. By making it realistic for the NHS, the hope is to provide better, more accessible care for women with PCOS in the future.

Key takeaways

A study looking at dietary changes and nurse support for PCOS.
Aims to help women with PCOS manage weight and symptoms.
Will assess if the programme can be delivered in local GP surgeries.
Participation is by invitation only from your GP.
Involves regular appointments and measurements over 6 months.
No significant risks identified; potential benefits include weight loss support.

Who may be eligible?

This study is only for women who are invited to take part by their GP. To be considered, you need to be a woman aged between 18 and 45 years old. You should have a diagnosis of PCOS from a healthcare professional and also be overweight (with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher, or 30 kg/m2 or higher if you are of white ethnicity).

You won't be able to join if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are undergoing fertility treatment. Using certain types of hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy in the last three months would also mean you couldn't take part. Other reasons for not being able to join include having certain medical conditions like type 1 diabetes, active cancer treatment (except for non-melanoma skin cancer), or specific heart conditions.

You also can't take part if you've recently had a heart attack or stroke, have an eating disorder, or are unwilling to consider changing your diet. If your doctor feels that for other health reasons (like mental health or upcoming surgery) it wouldn't be safe or appropriate for you to participate, you would also be excluded.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman aged between 18 and 45?
Do you have a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Are you currently considered overweight (BMI of 27 or above, or 30+ if white ethnicity)?
Are you able to attend appointments at your local GP practice?
Are you willing to consider making changes to your diet?
Are you currently not pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing fertility treatment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are invited and interested, you'll first have a brief phone chat with the study team to check if you might be suitable. If so, you'll have an appointment at your GP surgery with a nurse. They will confirm if you can join, explain everything in detail, and ask for your permission to take part. At this visit, they'll also measure your height, weight, blood pressure, and take a blood sample.

You will then be randomly put into one of two groups: an 'intervention' group that follows the new eating plan with nurse support, or a 'control' group that receives usual care. If you are in the intervention group, you'll have six extra appointments with the nurse over six months. For everyone in the study, your measurements (weight, blood samples, etc.) will be repeated at 3 and 6 months after you start. You'll also fill out some short questionnaires. You will be compensated for your time at the 3 and 6-month visits.

Potential risks and benefits

All participants will benefit from receiving extra attention and clinic appointments at their GP practice. If you are in the intervention group, you could benefit from support to help you lose weight and potentially improve your PCOS symptoms and general health. The main aim of the study is to see if this approach can be practically introduced in GP surgeries, which could lead to better care for many women with PCOS in the future. While there are no major risks identified, having blood taken might cause a moment of discomfort or a small bruise. The advice given for the eating plan is generally considered safe, and in a similar previous study, no significant problems were reported. The main time commitment involves going to some extra appointments and completing short questionnaires. Remember, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without explaining why, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (12)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

South Central RRDN
City only
Southampton, United Kingdom
North East and North Cumbria RRDN
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Yorkshire and Humber RRDN
City only
Leeds, United Kingdom
North West RRDN
City only
Manchester, United Kingdom
East Midlands RRDN
City only
Leicester, United Kingdom
West Midlands RRDN
Unverified
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
East of England RRDN
Unverified
Norwich, United Kingdom
North London RRDN
Unverified
London, United Kingdom
South London RRDN
Unverified
London, United Kingdom
South East RRDN
Unverified
London, United Kingdom
South West Central RRDN
Unverified
Bristol, United Kingdom
South West Peninsula RRDN
Unverified
Exeter, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is PCOS?

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It's a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work and can cause irregular periods, problems getting pregnant, and other health issues.

Will I have to pay to join the study?

No, you will not have to pay anything to take part in this study. In fact, you'll be compensated for your time for some of your visits.

What kind of eating plan is it?

It's a food-based eating plan designed to be lower in energy (calories) and carbohydrates. It focuses on 'real food' to help you manage your weight and PCOS symptoms.

How long will I be in the study?

The study will involve appointments and monitoring over a period of 6 months.

Can I still take my regular medicines?

Some medications might mean you can't join the study. This is something the study nurse will discuss with you during your eligibility checks.

How to find out more

Jadine Scragg

post.study@phc.ox.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.