WARRINGTON is one of the best places in the UK for accessible women’s healthcare, according to a new study.

The study, conducted by PCOS supplement provider, Fertility Family, ranks the UK’s towns and cities by examining NHS data to examine the availability of fertility clinics, access to registered endocrinologists, and access to local GP surgeries.

The town was the second highest-ranking, gaining a score of 82.87 out of 100.

It was found that Warrington boasts excellent access to medical services, with 18 fertility clinics within a 25 mile radius, this translates to 11 clinics per 100,000 residents.

Residents in Warrington also have good access to registered endocrinologists, earning a score of 18.06 out of 25, with 5 registered endocrinologists available within a 10-mile radius.

In first place was Bolton with an overall score of 89.35 while Wigan came third with 81.02 per cent.

Insights from Fertility Family’s 2023 PCOS Awareness Survey have shown that over half (54%) of people living with PCOS have felt misunderstood by health professionals. The survey found that 2 in 3 people (68%) waited over a year for their formal diagnosis.

Furthermore, 1 in 10 people had to wait over 5 years to receive treatment, whilst 7% of respondents waited over 10 years. More people (42%) were diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 34 than at any other stage of life.

Dr Gill Lockwood, consultant at Fertility Family, says: “If you think you may have PCOS, even if your symptoms are quite mild, it is important to speak to your GP.

“Many disorders can mimic PCOS symptoms such as thyroid disease and overproduction of the Prolactin hormone so it is important to get the right diagnosis.

“Having PCOS is a lifetime diagnosis, but if you maintain a normal weight, do regular exercise, and avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods in your diet, you can expect a normal, healthy life.

“It is a complex and yet very common condition affecting up to 10% of all women. Its symptoms can be quite mild, such as irregular periods and ‘teenage acne’ that seems to last beyond the teens, to really severe symptoms such as a total absence of periods, severe excess hair growth and significant obesity.

“Some of these symptoms may not be due to PCOS and this is why we recommend seeing your GP to get a proper diagnosis and help with your future health.

“Internet ‘experts’ and online influencers may be well-intentioned, but nothing can substitute for a discussion with a medically qualified doctor.”