Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Now Known as PMOS
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a common hormonal condition and affects how the ovaries function. It can cause a range of symptoms including irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and difficulty with fertility.
PMOS affects approximately 7 in 100 women in the UK and is often diagnosed in late teens or early adulthood. While the exact cause is unknown, early diagnosis and a personalised management plan can help reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Irregular, infrequent periods or no periods at all
- Infertility (due to irregular or no ovulation)
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chest or back
- Weight gain
- Hair loss from the head
- Oily skin or acne
Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and not everyone with PMOS will experience all of these signs.
Any two out the following three features would be diagnostic.
PMOS is diagnosed when at least two of the following three features are present:
- Ovaries have many (more than 12) tiny cysts: Ovarian cysts are small blister-like-lumps (about 5-8 mm) that form on the surface of the ovaries. Women produce an egg every month and these eggs, if not released, may be retained as small cysts. This is usually seen on an ultrasound scan. Polycystic appearance of ovaries is seen on ultrasound scan in 22% of women but only a few of these women will have the “syndrome”.
- Hormonal imbalance (Hyperandrogenism): Ovaries produce the “female” hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone and also very small amount of the “male” hormone, testosterone. When the level of testosterone in the blood goes over a certain level, it can cause some of the common symptoms of PMOS like acne and unwanted hair growth.
- Failure to ovulate every month (anovulation) leading to infrequent or absent periods: Oligomenorhoea means less than six periods in a year and amenorrhoea means no periods at all.
A diagnosis is usually made based on clinical history, symptoms, hormone tests, and pelvic ultrasound findings.
While around 60% of women with PMOS are able to conceive naturally, some may experience difficulties due to irregular or absent ovulation. Fortunately, many women respond well to simple treatments, often involving medication to stimulate ovulation, supported by regular ultrasound scans to monitor progress.
Yes, nutrition plays a key role in managing PMOS symptoms. Nutritional therapist Laura Southern explains, “A healthy eating plan can help manage and even alleviate some of the symptoms of PMOS. The right diet supports blood sugar and insulin regulation, improves cell sensitivity, and promotes hormone balance.”
Personalised nutritional guidance can make a significant difference in overall symptom control and long-term health.
For more information, visit our dedicated page on PMOS Nutrition.
Book your PMOS appointment online
Our PMOS package provides a thorough investigation of possible polycystic ovarian syndrome, diagnosis and management plan.
What is the treatment for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome?
- Stay slim through a combination of regular exercise and diet. Metformin, a drug used to treat very early diabetes, can also help with carbohydrate metabolism and losing weight.
- Treatment of PMOS depends on symptoms and whether you are trying for a family or not. The easiest way of controlling PMOS is to go on the combined pill (such as Yasmin or Zoely) which prevents recruitment of new egg-follicles and stops the problem from getting worse.
- Obviously the contraceptive pill is not an option if you are trying for a family. If you have been trying for longer than six to twelve months you may need ovulation induction tablets such as Clomiphene and serial scans.
- Treatment of unwanted hair can be either cosmetic or through medication.
- Lifestyle management: to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in later life.
Our packages are for those who are looking for a PMOS diagnosis or those wishing for supportive nutritional advice.
PMOS Package
Provides a thorough investigation of possible polycystic ovarian syndrome, diagnosis and management plan.
PMOS Nutrition Package
Supportive nutritional strategies that work with your hormones from a Nutritional Therapist
Additional PMOS Information
If you wish to learn more about our PMOS (previously known as PCOS), read our leaflet here.
GP Referrals
GP referral letters are not needed unless you are claiming your visit on insurance and your insurer requires one. However, GP referral letters are helpful because they provide your information and history so if you do have one please bring it with you to your appointment.
Other related conditions and treatments
PMOS Nutrition
Nutrition plays a key role in managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), helping to regulate hormones, support fertility, and improve overall wellbeing.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome FAQs
