Women's Healh
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PMOS: Why PCOS Has a New Name (and What It Means for You)

What was previously known as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) has now been reclassified as PMOS: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. The new name better reflects that this isn't simply an ovarian condition, but a wider hormonal condition that can cause a range of symptoms throughout the body.

PMOS affects women with ovaries and can start before the age of 18, usually continuing until the menopause. You're more likely to develop PMOS if there's a family history of the condition.

Symptoms of PMOS

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some women have no symptoms at all. They can include:

  • Irregular periods or long gaps between periods (due to hormonal imbalance)
  • Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) or hair loss (due to elevated testosterone)
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight (due to insulin resistance)
  • Difficulty getting pregnant, as ovulation may be affected
  • Mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety (due to hormonal imbalance)
  • Oily skin and acne (due to hormonal imbalance)
  • Feeling very tired (due to insulin resistance)
  • Thick, dark patches of skin on the neck or armpits (acanthosis nigricans)

Getting a Diagnosis

Investigations that could be arranged at PGPS include:

  • A hormonal blood test
  • An ultrasound scan to check the ovaries

You can book a Women's Health consultation with one of our GPs to discuss your symptoms and the right next steps for you.

Treatment Options

Treatment options vary depending on your main areas of concern and can include:

  • The combined pill to help with irregular periods, e.g. Dianette or Slynd
  • Metformin, a medicine used to improve fertility and weight
  • Antidepressant therapy if mental health is affected
  • Eflornithine to help reduce hair growth on the face and body
  • Weight loss medicines if you're overweight
  • Skin creams or tablets that can help with acne

Lifestyle and Self-Care

Good lifestyle habits also play a very important role. It can help to:

  • Eat a healthy, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
  • Exercise regularly, but avoid high-intensity exercise, as this can make PMOS symptoms worse
  • Try to lose weight if you're overweight
  • Try talking therapy if some symptoms are causing depression or anxiety
  • Try removing unwanted hair by shaving, waxing, using hair removal creams, or with permanent laser treatment

Long-Term Health Risks

Lifestyle measures are especially important, as PMOS increases the risk of developing other health conditions later in life, including:

Support and Further Information

VerityVerity is a charity that offers information and support to anyone living with PMOS.www.verity-pcos.org.uk

The LowdownThe Lowdown has information about women's health conditions, including PMOS (previously known as PCOS).

If you recognise any of these symptoms, book an appointment with one of our GPs to talk through your symptoms and options.

Dr S Peck & Dr Jo Josson McConnell