A support group has been launched to support islanders suffering from a reproductive condition that affects around one in ten women but often goes undiagnosed.
PCOS Jersey has been set up by nutritionist Jessica Pinel, who was herself diagnosed with the condition two years ago after experiencing irregular cycles, acne, hair loss and fatigue.
“After my own diagnosis, I realised how isolating PCOS can feel and how hard it is to find local support,” she explained.
“Many women are left to navigate confusing and often conflicting advice alone. I wanted to create a safe, supportive space here in Jersey where women can come together, share experiences, and above all, access evidence-based guidance.”
PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries function, but Ms Pinel stressed, it is a “full body condition”.
Symptoms can include irregular or absent periods, fertility challenges, excess hair growth, acne, thinning hair, weight changes and fatigue.
It also carries long-term health risks such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed – with Ms Pinel saying that stigma, misunderstanding and the diversity of symptoms often contribute to delays.
“Many are told to ‘Just lose weight’ or ‘come back when you’re trying for a baby, ’ which can delay proper care,” she said.
“I often hear myths that women with PCOS can’t get pregnant, which isn’t true, or that it only affects overweight women, which also isn’t true.”
PCOS Jersey will offer a private social media group for open discussion and peer support, as well as regular face-to-face activities.
These include monthly “Walk and Talk” sessions, bi-monthly social and educational events, annual focus groups to feed back on services in Jersey, and a library of accessible online resources.
“After my own diagnosis, I realised how isolating PCOS can feel and how hard it is to find local support”
Jessica Pinel
Ms Pinel, who is a Registered Associate Nutritionist specialising in women’s health and fertility, said the group would not replace medical care but hoped to bridge a gap by “providing community and practical strategies”.
“We know women in Jersey, as elsewhere, face long waits for gynaecology referrals or feel dismissed when they first raise concerns. Some wait years for a diagnosis, and many are left without clear follow-up support.
Ms Pinel said the long-term vision was to build a community where no woman with PCOS in Jersey felt alone.
“Over time, I’d love to see more awareness locally, stronger links between healthcare and lifestyle support, and ultimately better outcomes for women living with the condition.”
PCOS Jersey is led by a committee that includes Ms Pinel as Chair, Ari Kyriazi as Treasurer, Dr Jessica Langtree-March as Medical Advisor, and Kate Smaller from Endometriosis Jersey as an Advisor.
The group is currently recruiting a Secretary to support its work.
SUPPORT…
The group’s first event will take place on Saturday 14 September at 15:00, beginning at the Freedom Tree at the Waterfront.
The awareness walk marks both the launch of PCOS Jersey and PCOS Awareness Month.
Participants are invited to wear blue, the official colour for PCOS awareness.
Anyone interested in joining the group, attending the first event, or volunteering can find more information on the PCOS Jersey Facebook and Instagram pages.
