Women with a chronic disease of the ovaries can limit the worst effects of the problem by keeping slim and eating a healthy diet, according to experts.
Lifestyle improvements work for "many" women with the polycystic ovary syndrome, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
It is not known how many women suffer from the condition and estimates vary from 2% to 26%.
But it can cause diabetes, baldness, acne, weight problems and fertility difficulties.
It also commonly causes facial hair.
Cath Broderick, chair of the college’s women’s network, said: “Although there is no ‘cure’ as such, for a woman with PCOS losing a small amount of weight can make a big difference to their symptoms and health.
"It decreases the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes, reduces risk of heart problems and cancer of the womb, improves problems with acne and excess hair, and increases the chance of becoming pregnant.”
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