Gabby Logan Reveals Daughter's PCOS Diagnosis and Sports Impact
Television presenter Gabby Logan has disclosed that her daughter Lois, a promising showjumper, has been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a chronic health condition that could prevent her from participating in extreme athletic events. The Match of the Day host, 52, shared this week that Lois, 20, received the diagnosis but expressed relief when a medical specialist advised her daughter against engaging in extreme sports.
Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS represents one of the most prevalent hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age, impacting between eight and thirteen percent of women globally. The condition manifests through various symptoms including:
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Excessive facial and body hair growth
- Persistent acne
- Weight gain challenges
- Potential fertility difficulties
During her Mid-Point podcast on Wednesday, Gabby Logan stated: 'Lois was recently - she won't mind me saying this - diagnosed with PCOS.' She continued: 'And when we went to see the specialist, she said, "Really, you know, extreme running's not great for you, Lois."'
Half-Marathon Experience and Medical Advice
Gabby and Lois completed the London Landmarks Half-Marathon together in April 2024, an experience the former Olympic gymnast described as 'mental' due to the intensive training required. While she valued the overall experience, Gabby admitted feeling relieved she wouldn't need to repeat such extreme physical challenges following the doctor's recommendation. 'I just went, "Yes!"' she recalled.
The mother-of-two explained that Lois had initially hoped to tackle another half marathon together, but they have since adjusted their athletic ambitions. Gabby revealed: 'She did actually want to do another half-marathon with me, but then she said, maybe we should just do some 5Ks together, mum. But [the half marathon] was such a lovely experience.'
Medical Perspective on PCOS and Exercise
The National Health Service describes PCOS as a chronic condition characterized by elevated insulin levels and androgens - male-type hormones - within the body. Many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
While exercise generally proves beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms, medical specialists often recommend caution regarding excessive high-intensity workouts. Research indicates that excessive intense exercise can elevate cortisol levels - the stress hormone - potentially worsening symptoms in certain cases. Instead, healthcare professionals frequently recommend moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking combined with strength training as more advantageous approaches.
Lois Logan's Athletic Background
Showjumper Lois - twin daughter of Gabby and former Scotland rugby international Kenny Logan, 52 - began riding at eight years old. At just sixteen, she qualified for the prestigious Horse Of The Year Show and secured two class victories at the British Showjumping National Championships in 2022.
Despite her mother's initial hopes she would become a tennis star, Lois developed a passion for horses after the family relocated to their Buckinghamshire home a decade ago. 'My mum wanted me to be a tennis player. She was like: "I really, really tried, but you didn't want to,"' Lois has previously stated. 'Now I say to her: "I wish you'd pushed me harder to do tennis, because I could have been a really good player by now."'
The geography student at Loughborough University continues competing at elite levels in showjumping, recently participating in the Markel Magnolia Cup at Goodwood in July 2025 - a prestigious charity race where showjumpers transform into jockeys for a day. Lois described that experience as 'brutal', telling magazines: 'I've always been a very sporty person, but I've never done anything as brutal as this. It's been tough.'
Family Athletic Legacy
The April 2024 half-marathon marked Gabby's return to long-distance running after two decades, completed in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK where she serves as president. The BBC personality persuaded Lois to join her for the challenge, with both crossing the finish line together.
While Gabby found the experience demanding, she expressed gratitude for the mother-daughter bonding opportunity. She told Hello! magazine last October: 'It was so hard fitting all the training, I remember coming back from the Six Nations match in Edinburgh, and it was too dark to run outside, so I had to do 18k on a treadmill. That was a mental exercise! But when we did it, it felt so lovely, doing it with her.'
Gabby, who represented Wales in rhythmic gymnastics at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, married Kenny Logan on July 19, 2001. The couple welcomed Lois and Reuben in 2005 through IVF treatment. Their son Reuben has followed his father's athletic path, playing professional rugby as a back-row player for Northampton Saints, making his professional debut in September 2023.
