A woman who endured a decade of debilitating menstrual pain and irregular periods has revealed how doctors repeatedly dismissed her symptoms before she was finally diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Olivia Ferro, 26, from Chicago, United States of America, began experiencing severe stomach pains around her periods at age 14. Her concerns were initially brushed off as “hormone changes” by medical professionals.
However, at 15, a burst ovarian cyst necessitated an emergency appendectomy.
Despite this, Ms Ferro continued to suffer from chronic pelvic pain and bloating, leading to her being prescribed birth control at 15 in an attempt to alleviate her symptoms.
After moving to London in 2024 she launched a women’s health company focusing on GLP-1 medication with her sister, Chloe.
At the time, her periods were even more irregular, and she had private tests in the UK, and was finally diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – which explained her symptoms.
After being prescribed GLP-1 treatment in 2025, she said she lost over two stone, regained regular cycles, and is now urging women to push for support.
Ms Ferro, the co-founder and chief executive of SheMed, who lives in central London, told PA Real Life: “Sometimes you know your body better than anyone else, and if you know something isn’t right you need to fight for it.”
Ms Ferro started her period at the age of 10 and, by 14, she was experiencing extreme stomach pain around her menstrual cycle.
At 15, a cyst on her ovary burst, causing her appendix to become inflamed and she subsequently underwent an emergency appendectomy.
Around a month later, she began suffering from chronic stomach and pelvic pain and was repeatedly hospitalised because of chronic ovarian cysts.
Still aged 15, she was prescribed the oral contraceptive pill. Although the medication reduced the number of ovarian cysts, she continued to experience irregular and painful periods, as well as bloating and inflammation.
She added: “I couldn’t fit into any of my clothes, so that was really hard.
“You’re going out with your friends and you want to look cute.
“I was never a really big girl but when you’re having an inflammatory attack and you can’t wear the pair of jeans that you look best in, it definitely affects how you feel for the night and affects your life.
“And just then the pain that came with it – I can’t button my jeans, and my stomach is so hard, and I just feel horrible, and I want to sit in bed.
“I’d miss classes at school and couldn’t sit through stuff because my stomach pain or my pelvic pain was so extreme.
“It affects your mental health a lot too – my body’s failing me, and I can’t participate in school.”
By 17, she said she was experiencing “episodes of severe nausea and vomiting”, with her body “randomly” going into septic shock.
She said her white blood cell count would also spike and she endured chronic stomach pain and fatigue.
By 18, she had a range of blood tests and cardiac assessments and doctors also suggested she might be allergic to gluten.
She was still experiencing irregular periods and inflammatory attacks, and said she “struggled” to lose weight.
In 2018 she went to university, where she studied nutrition, communication and occupational science.
Despite eating nutrient-dense food and continuing to exercise, her weight remained the same.
After graduating, in 2022, she and her sister “felt like more could be done” to support women’s health.
They launched a company in the US producing at-home UTI and yeast infection tests, originally planning to expand the business to the UK.
In September 2024, they moved to London and soon discovered the “GLP-1 craze”, realising there was no female-focused GLP-1 programme for women in the UK.
In December they launched their company, SheMed, focusing on this area.
When women sign up to the service, they complete a questionnaire, verify their weight and identity with a member of the team, and carry out an at-home blood test.
The results are then reviewed and approved by a qualified medical professional before any treatment is prescribed.
Users also receive monthly clinical evaluations to ensure their weight loss remains steady.
At the same time as launching the company, Ms Ferro’s periods became even more irregular – bleeding for two weeks, stopping, then starting again.
She underwent several private tests in the UK, including hormone testing and an ultrasound.
She presented her results to her GP through the NHS and was diagnosed with PCOS.
According to the NHS, PCOS is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work.
The main features of PCOS are polycystic ovaries, irregular periods and having excess androgen, which are high levels of “male” hormones in your body,
Other symptoms include weight gain, difficulty getting pregnant, thinning hair on the head and acne.
She was advised to “finally” come off birth control in order to regulate her hormones.
She said: “Looking back, all my symptoms, apart from the sepsis, fit into this.”
After discussing her weight loss difficulties and PCOS symptoms, she claims her GP suggested trying GLP-1 treatment privately.
The NHS does not have specific guidance on using GLP-1 medication to treat PCOS.
However, they say in overweight women, the symptoms and overall risk of developing long-term health problems from PCOS can be greatly improved by losing excess weight.
She was prescribed the medication through her own business in summer 2025.
Since then, she has lost 2st 2lb (13.6kg), going from 11st 8lb (73.4kg) to 9st 6lb (59.8kg).
She also claims her testosterone levels have reduced to within the normal range, her chances of fertility have improved, and her periods have become more regular.
“They’ve made me feel more like myself,” she added.
Dr Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women’s health, said: “The NHS offers a range of support for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, including mental health support, weight management and fertility services, and dedicated women’s health hubs across the country providing specialist support in communities.
“We know that for some women with PCOS weight loss and eating a healthy balanced diet can improve symptoms but if you are concerned or have questions, please contact your GP.”
For more information about SheMed, visit: www.shemed.co.uk.
