Much of the clinical research on PCOS has focused on poor insulin mechanisms. My main recommendations are to work hard on blood sugar balance and insulin sensitivity. Include protein-rich foods at every meal (such as fish, eggs, soya, pulses and beans), avoid refined foods (and that means no grains and bread subjected to over-processing or using refined flours, and no sugar) and eat wholegrains such as brown rice, quinoa and wholemeal pasta instead. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but if you like to snack on fruit, have it with a handful of fresh, unsalted nuts or seeds, as the protein will prevent a sugar high and a subsequent nasty slump. Ensure you' re taking in enough essential fatty acids, found in oily fish and seeds such as pumpkin and flax seeds. Taking 200mcg of chromium daily will also help, and a good B complex supplement or high-strength multivitamin.

Herbally, I find a blend including agnus castus helps regulate hormone balance, while some herbalists recommend taking saw palmetto to help lower the conversion of testosterone to its more potent form DHT; but it is worth checking this with a qualified herbalist.