An international group of experts has proposed renaming Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
While the new name has not yet been universally adopted, it reflects our growing understanding that this condition involves much more than the ovaries. In many ways, the proposed name better describes what is actually happening throughout the body.
For many women, the new name is actually a better description of what's happening in the body.
Why Change the Name?
The term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has caused confusion for years. For starters, many women with PCOS don't actually have ovarian cysts.
The "cysts" seen on ultrasound are actually immature follicles, not true cysts.
More importantly, the current name focuses almost entirely on the ovaries, when we now know this condition affects multiple hormone systems and has significant metabolic implications.
The proposed name, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), better reflects these key features:
- Polyendocrine: Multiple hormone systems are involved, not just the ovaries.
- Metabolic: Many women experience insulin resistance and changes in how their body regulates blood sugar and energy.
- Ovarian: The ovaries remain an important part of the condition, with irregular ovulation and increased androgen production being common features
The new name aims to better capture the complexity of the condition while reducing the misconception that ovarian cysts are required for diagnosis.
It's More Than a Reproductive Condition
While irregular periods are often what lead to a diagnosis, PMOS is much more than a fertility condition.
Common symptoms include:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Difficulty becoming pregnant due to irregular ovulation
- Acne
- Excess facial or body hair
- Hair thinning on the scalp
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Fatigue
- Skin tags or darkened patches of skin
- Elevated cholesterol or blood sugar
- Insulin resistance
Not every woman experiences the same symptoms, and you do not need to have every symptom to receive a diagnosis.
Why Insulin Resistance Matters
One of the biggest drivers of PMOS is insulin resistance.
When the body becomes less responsive to insulin, it produces higher levels to keep blood sugar stable. Those higher insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce more testosterone, contributing to many of the symptoms associated with PMOS.
This is why treatment often extends well beyond managing periods. Improving metabolic health can help improve hormone balance, ovulation, energy, and long-term health.
How Is PMOS Treated?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for PMOS.
The right approach depends on your symptoms, whether you're trying to conceive, and your overall health goals.
Treatment options may include:
- Nutrition focused on blood sugar balance
- Regular strength training and physical activity
- Improving sleep and managing stress
- Targeted nutritional supplements
- Prescription medications when appropriate
- Ovulation support for fertility
- Medications to improve insulin sensitivity
- Hormone therapy to help regulate cycles or manage symptoms when appropriate
For some women, newer medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists may also play a role, particularly when insulin resistance and weight management are significant concerns.
Looking Beyond the Name
Whether it's called PCOS or PMOS, the most important thing to remember is that this condition is treatable.
A diagnosis doesn't just explain irregular periods. It provides an opportunity to improve hormone balance, support metabolic health, reduce future health risks, and help you feel your best.
As a naturopathic doctor, I work with women to understand the root causes contributing to PMOS and develop personalized treatment plans.
Depending on your goals, this may include nutrition, lifestyle changes, supplements, prescription medications within my scope, hormone optimization, and fertility support.
If you think you may have PMOS, or you've been diagnosed but still aren't feeling your best, there are many options available to help support your health.
Patient partners
Contact Me
