PCOS is Now PMOS – Why the Name Change Matters
You may have heard that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has recently been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). While the condition itself has not changed, the new name better reflects our understanding of this common yet often misunderstood condition.
PMOS affects around 1 in 8 women, yet it is estimated that up to 70% remain undiagnosed. The previous name, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, placed too much emphasis on the ovaries, leading many women to believe that ovarian cysts were the defining feature. In reality, the “cysts” seen on ultrasound are usually multiple immature follicles, and not all women with PMOS have this finding.
More importantly, PMOS is a whole-body hormonal and metabolic condition, affecting much more than reproductive health.
What Does PMOS Mean?
The new name reflects the different aspects of the condition:
- Polyendocrine – multiple hormones are involved.
- Metabolic – many women have insulin resistance, increasing the risk of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease.
- Ovarian – some women have multiple immature follicles visible on ultrasound.
- Syndrome – a collection of symptoms that can affect both physical and mental wellbeing.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person and may change throughout life. They include:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Acne or oily skin
- Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- Hair thinning or scalp hair loss
- Difficulty losing weight
- Fertility concerns
- Anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
The Importance of Insulin Resistance
One of the most significant developments in our understanding of PMOS is the role of insulin resistance. Many women with PMOS produce higher levels of insulin, even when their blood sugar or weight remains normal.
High insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens (male hormones), contributing to irregular ovulation, acne, excess hair growth and difficulty conceiving. Over time, insulin resistance also increases the risk of developing prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease.
Annual Health Checks Are Recommended
Because PMOS is associated with an increased long-term metabolic risk, we recommend that women with PMOS have a yearly review with their GP. This may include:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Weight, BMI and waist circumference assessment
- HbA1c (screening for prediabetes and diabetes)
- Fasting blood glucose
- Fasting insulin (where appropriate) to assess for insulin resistance
- Cholesterol profile
- Liver function tests if clinically indicated
Monitoring these risk factors allows early intervention and can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing long-term complications.
Treatment is Individualised
Treatment depends on your symptoms and stage of life, but may include:
- Lifestyle measures, including nutrition and regular physical activity
- Weight management support where appropriate
- Hormonal treatments to regulate menstrual cycles
- Medications to improve insulin sensitivity
- Support for fertility, skin concerns and mental wellbeing
When Should You See Your GP?
If you have irregular periods, persistent acne, unwanted hair growth, unexplained weight gain, difficulty conceiving or a family history of diabetes, it is worth discussing these symptoms with your GP.
At The Portobello Clinic, we offer personalised assessment and evidence-based management of PMOS, focusing not only on symptom control but also on reducing your long-term metabolic and cardiovascular risk through early diagnosis, regular monitoring and preventative care.