Signs and Symptoms of PMOS Symptoms PMOS is a hormonal condition that occurs in women of reproductive age and contributes to fertility issues, among other health concerns. It happens when the ovaries produce elevated levels of androgens, which are male sex hormones (such as testosterone) that are typically found in much higher amounts in men than women.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762938689dc6-acf1-4f98-ac4b-8f39168cfcc7 High androgen levels can interfere with a woman’s reproductive and overall health.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299960371e-90d4-4ccd-b3c7-0ebbaf513102 While PMOS signs and symptoms can vary, some of the most common ones include: Weight gain, especially around the stomach Unpredictable periods Infertility or difficulty conceiving naturally Acne Hair loss or thinning hair Sleep problems, including difficulty getting to sleep, feeling really tired during the day, and snoring or waking up frequentlye60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762944505b79-df06-49cf-8caf-d3232a2597ea Unusual or excess hair growth (hirsutism), particularly on the face, chest, and lower abdomen Insulin resistance, which may manifest as skin tags and darkening of the skin (acanthosis nigricans)e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762961253dd3-6363-4d95-ae2c-1b9e116f1ae2 Oily skine60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295e7bbb85-9faa-463f-8ff2-811656671da1 Mood disorders, such as anxiety and depressione60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629beb9d702-bcb4-4209-a648-08e0ea968c1c For some women, symptoms start around the time of their first period. For others, PMOS doesn’t cause symptoms until later in life.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e2519d15-e821-4960-8832-59fb0a080141 These symptoms can be vague and may be misinterpreted, and up to 70 percent of women with PMOS may go undiagnosed.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ae2f1254-cced-421d-9ce6-71c4ee01c59c
Lifestyle Changes for PMOS Lifestyle Changes Weight loss — even a 10 percent loss in body weight — can help regulate your period, improve fertility, and ease symptoms of PMOS. It can also improve your insulin levels and overall health.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cfff5f0b-4599-4047-be53-142d5c2ef8a3 If your doctor recommends losing weight, you can work with a registered dietitian to make changes to your diet, while also incorporating more physical activity into your routine. PMOS Diet What you eat can make a difference in PMOS symptom severity, as certain foods can contribute to inflammation and spike blood sugar levels. Consider these eating strategies to help manage PMOS.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297433071e-e79f-406b-86c7-a9472d5e51c7e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297ce39aa6-379c-4bd8-9714-75c38b24ebdd Reach for omega-3s. While consuming food sources like fatty fish is the best way to reap the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3s, you can also take supplements . Choose anti-inflammatory foods. Eating more anti-inflammatory foods like berries, broccoli, spinach, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and olive oil can lower inflammation. Try low–glycemic index foods. Foods with a low glycemic index help keep blood sugar levels steady. Some examples of these foods are lean meats, nonstarchy vegetables, yogurt, tofu, and eggs. Limit processed foods. Processed foods such as packaged cookies, lunch meats, and chips often include simple carbs and lots of added sugars. Eating a lot of processed foods can lead to weight gain, which amplifies PMOS symptoms. Limit carbs. High carbohydrate diets can make insulin levels jump and raise your blood sugar. If you do eat carbs, opt for complex carbs because they raise blood sugar slowly. In the end, the most important thing is to eat a nutritious, balanced diet full of whole foods. This can help you maintain or lose weight, balance your blood sugar, and lower inflammation levels. Physical Activity Getting more exercise can also improve symptoms of PMOS and help with weight loss. Health experts suggest that people with PMOS get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, which aligns with the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b499839d-b60a-4049-a626-879e6e5984d2 Examples of moderate-intensity exercise are walking, water aerobics, and gardening. Vigorous exercise can include running, cycling quickly or uphill, and jumping rope.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762910558ec8-ddf9-4858-9209-0c84040e1845 In addition, people with PMOS may want to do strength training activities on two nonconsecutive days of the week to build muscle and help prevent weight gain. Other Changes There are a couple of other lifestyle factors beyond changing your diet, losing weight, and getting more exercise that may improve your PMOS symptoms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ca37a82c-2f77-4a29-8a5c-22919d3a78cc Treat underlying sleep disorders. People with PMOS have a higher risk of sleep disorders, due to hormonal imbalances — and poor sleep can contribute to mood disorders and other mental health conditions. Improve your emotional well-being. There is a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating in people with PMOS. Weight gain may contribute to poor body image, which can contribute to depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, and counseling may help reduce stress and improve symptoms of these mental health conditions.
Treatment and Medication Options for PMOS Treatment While there’s currently no cure for PMOS, the symptoms can be managed with medications, lifestyle modifications, and, in rare cases, surgery. The right PMOS treatment method for you will depend on your symptoms and whether you’re planning to become pregnant. Medication Options Medications to help treat PMOS symptoms include: Combined Hormonal Birth Control Pills Birth control pills containing both estrogen and progestin help regulate your period and are the primary treatment for women with PMOS who are not trying to become pregnant. They can be used long term and may help reduce excess hair and acne, as well as decrease the risk of endometrial cancer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292774cf09-5908-4bde-94c1-d1e52c222ceb Diabetes Medications Certain diabetes drugs, such as metformin, can be prescribed off-label to help your body respond to insulin, lose weight, decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, and improve ovulation.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762947b80dfb-589d-4898-a206-af6cfe535be2 Anti-Androgens These medications can block the effects of excess androgens on your body, helping to decrease unwanted hair growth, reduce scalp hair loss, and improve acne. Acne Treatments Retinoids, antibacterial agents, and antibiotics are all common medications used to treat acne. It’s important to tell your doctor if you’re trying to become pregnant, as they can help advise you on the best medications for your situation. Women who are trying to conceive need to take a special approach to treating PMOS, because they will not be able to use hormonal birth control. Treatments for Infertility For many women, infertility is one of the most distressing complications of PMOS. Many women with PMOS do not naturally ovulate, or only ovulate irregularly, and will struggle to conceive without treatment. A doctor may recommend the following treatments to start ovulation and improve your chances of becoming pregnant:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c1213daa-dc8c-48ed-b148-adf0fc2549e8 clomiphene (Serophene) letrozole (Femara) metformin (Glucophage) gonadotropins If you are overweight or have obesity, losing weight may also help improve your fertility. If medications are unsuccessful, a doctor may recommend in vitro fertilization , or IVF. In this procedure, eggs are removed from the ovaries, fertilized outside of the body, and then placed into the uterus. Complementary and Integrative Therapies If you’re experiencing excess, bothersome hair growth as a PMOS symptom, there are many ways to remove it. You can shave, pluck, or wax hair as a temporary fix. For a longer-lasting option, you can also use laser hair removal . And to permanently remove hair, there’s electrolysis, which involves a trained professional using a small needle to destroy hair follicles.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295454812d-e322-4801-b699-628c7a0f04de Researchers are beginning to look into other complementary treatments, including vitamins and supplements, for managing PMOS symptoms. While available research is limited and more studies are needed to determine their benefits, the following therapies may be useful:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292f552df5-1584-4e62-9b18-e522df39e788e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ffbbca8e-ddec-4979-8d6f-776271968b8a Vitamin D Taking a vitamin D supplement may help improve insulin metabolism and regulate ovulation issues. Vitamin D also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it could help if you have low-grade inflammation. Vitamin E Some evidence suggests that vitamin E can improve blood sugar and cholesterol. It may also affect androgen hormones. Acupuncture This complementary therapy may benefit PMOS treatment by improving symptoms related to ovulation and period irregularities. Probiotics and Prebiotics Your gut microbiome has a hand in many aspects of your health and is associated with PMOS. Prebiotics and probiotics can support a healthy gut, improve your hormones, and reduce inflammation. Folic Acid Folic acid supplements have been shown to reduce body mass index in people with PMOS. Weight gain is a common symptom of PMOS. Selenium This supplement is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. While selenium doesn’t seem to help with hormone imbalances, it may reduce cholesterol and insulin levels. Be sure to contact a doctor before starting any new supplement , as it may interfere with the medications you’re already taking. Plus, your doctor can do a simple blood test to check your vitamin and mineral levels, showing where you may have a deficiency. Surgery Surgery to treat PMOS is rarely used. However, your doctor might recommend an outpatient surgical procedure, known as ovarian drilling, if you want to become pregnant and medications are not helping you ovulate.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629be2d64aa-eca5-47e5-986b-08f3799a5312 In this procedure, a surgeon will make a small incision in your belly and use tools to destroy some ovarian follicles and androgen-producing ovarian tissue. This can sometimes help improve ovulation and follicle maturation.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299aef9d63-5f69-450d-a30d-255492bd7375
How Is PMOS Diagnosed? Diagnosis A doctor will make a PMOS diagnosis if you meet at least two of three criteria:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296d1b0ea4-c7ac-4907-96e0-5b6df31d19b2 Irregular Periods Having an irregular menstrual cycle is one of the most common signs of PMOS. This means that your periods may not happen at the same time each month, you might not have a period during some months, and some of your periods may be short while others may be long. You may also have heavier periods. High Androgen Levels High levels of androgens, sometimes called male hormones, can interfere with ovulation and the creation of follicles in the ovaries. It can also lead to acne, unwanted body and facial hair, and other symptoms. Polycystic Ovaries Some women with PMOS have ovaries that are larger than usual, which can be seen during an ultrasound. An ultrasound test may also reveal follicles (or cysts) on the edges of the ovaries. There’s no single test to diagnose PMOS. A doctor will evaluate your signs and symptoms and may conduct any of the following tests to rule out other conditions that present similarly: Physical Exam Looks for acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain. Pelvic Exam Checks the ovaries. Blood Tests Checks hormone levels. Pelvic Ultrasound Looks at the uterine lining and for cysts on the ovaries.
Resources We Trust Mayo Clinic: Menstrual Cycle: What’s Normal and What’s NotCleveland Clinic: Getting Pregnant With PCOSNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development: What Are the Treatments for PCOS?Johns Hopkins Medicine: PCOS DietThe American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Frequently Asked Questions
Prevention of PMOS Prevention PMOS can’t be prevented, but you can manage your symptoms and prevent complications. If you manage your overall health well, take your medications, and make healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.
Causes and Risk Factors of PMOS Causes The exact cause of PMOS isn’t known, but several factors may play a role in its development. These include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c611feb9-564b-4bad-be00-3d60171a36f5 Insulin Resistance Insulin resistance is when your cells don’t respond well to the hormone insulin, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. Your body will start producing more insulin to compensate — and too much insulin can cause you to make more androgens. Low-Grade Inflammation Inflammation is the body’s natural process of healing. But when it happens over a long period of time, it can cause your body to produce androgens. Genetics Having a family history of PMOS may also increase your risk of developing the condition.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629391535be-d4f6-4518-aedd-adbe336553ae Obesity Research indicates that between 33 and 88 percent of women with PMOS are overweight or have obesity, which suggests a strong link between excess weight and PMOS. While the exact relationship between the two isn’t well understood, it’s thought that obesity can contribute to insulin resistance and increase your risk of developing PMOS.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293b4c641b-dce6-48bd-adf6-95d1700e0525 Environmental Factors Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A, which is often found in medical devices, housewares, and appliances, can increase a person’s risk of inflammation and PMOS.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298bf7bb33-411d-4f22-b2ce-043c4ab40468 The same is true of air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are found in cigarette smoke, cooked meat, and burnt coal.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296edaec7e-d395-4f80-bff6-d11715ac8323 Lifestyle Factors Limited physical activity, a high-fat and low-fiber diet, and high stress levels may also play a role in the development of PMOS.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629490edba6-6108-4640-bdb1-57e66291fabd While certain factors, such as family history, are not under your control, there are ways to minimize your risks and improve symptom severity. You can manage risk factors by:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629de131eb2-04cc-4d24-a4ed-eeaf0c2e1ef9 Avoiding environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and cigarette smoke Getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight for your body Limiting foods that can increase inflammation, such as fried foods, processed snack foods (chips, candies, cookies), and red meatse60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629976dd649-60ce-443c-ac19-41336b14dcf0 Taking care of your gut health and avoiding a high-sugar diet, to help lower insulin resistance and reduce high androgen levels
Complications of PMOS Complications One of the biggest complications of PMOS is that it can affect your ability to become pregnant. However, there are ways to treat fertility issues, and many women with PMOS have healthy pregnancies. Due to hormonal imbalances, PMOS can also increase your risk of other health conditions, including:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297b85c294-18d3-4e90-afd3-bbf8c9127e58 Diabetes Gestational diabetes Heart disease Endometrial cancer Obstructive sleep apnea High blood pressuree60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762974a9b8b7-a3c0-4980-919c-9e86c93bb2b9 High cholesterol It’s important to attend your yearly checkups and undergo any screenings your doctor recommends.
The Takeaway Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) — formerly known as PCOS — is a common hormonal condition in women of reproductive age. Symptoms can include irregular periods, weight gain, mood changes, and fertility issues. Infertility is a common sign and complication of PMOS, but treatment can dramatically increase your odds of getting pregnant. PMOS is not curable, but medications, complementary treatments, and lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms. Losing weight is one of the top recommendations for managing PMOS.
Prognosis and Duration of PMOS Prognosis PMOS currently has no cure, but it can be managed well. Work with your healthcare team to manage your symptoms and make lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and losing weight, if your doctor advises you to do so. This can help prevent complications. PMOS is considered a chronic condition. While some women with PMOS may find that their menstrual cycle becomes more regular as they approach menopause, others may continue to experience PMOS symptoms in addition to menopause symptoms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292f58e4e6-bb26-4251-a766-9abd6c0d6479 Risks of PMOS-related complications, such as diabetes and heart attacks, can also increase with age.
Conditions Related to PMOS Related Conditions PMOS is related to several conditions, especially diabetes and obesity. Women with obesity and type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop PMOS, and vice versa. PMOS can also contribute to:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bde725fa-714f-44d0-930b-c7ba0aa00fef Heart-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke Mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders Endometriosis and PMOS both cause infertility and ovarian cysts, though they’re different conditions. They can be confused with one another before diagnosis.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c1315b46-5112-460d-9c79-83369b6fb295
Support for People With PMOS Support PCOS Awareness Association This organization shares information to help people with PMOS ease their symptoms and prevent complications. You can connect with them on social media or visit their website to find a list of resources that may help make your life easier. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association If you have PMOS and are experiencing fertility issues, RESOLVE can help you find a support group in person or online; locate mental health professionals, genetic counselors, reproductive endocrinologists, and more with their directory; or learn more with resources and advice. You can even find tools for financial resources to help you build your family. The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association Also known as PCOS Challenge, this organization promotes awareness and helps people with PMOS find information, support groups, grants, and health screenings.
Editor’s note: In May 2026, the Endocrine Society and other international experts officially renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This change better reflects the condition’s nature as a systemic metabolic disorder. This article has been updated to reflect the new terminology. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) — formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS — is a common condition that happens when the ovaries produce high levels of androgens, or male hormones. PMOS causes symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and fertility issues, and it may increase a woman’s risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. PMOS is a lifelong condition. While there’s currently no cure for PMOS, treatments can help people manage symptoms and find relief.
Research and Statistics: How Common Is PMOS? Research and Statistics PMOS is fairly common, affecting up to 13 percent of women ages 15 to 49 around the world.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762973afa5ad-9071-4ecd-9e41-b6e690a7d212 The World Health Organization reports that up to 70 percent of PMOS cases worldwide are undiagnosed. While women can manifest symptoms of PMOS at any age after puberty, they’re often not diagnosed until their 20s or 30s. This may be when they’re looking to get pregnant and are having difficulty doing so.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762911e525a5-1f64-459e-8ba2-7b67305acfa1
Disparities and Differences in PMOS Disparities Research suggests that PMOS presents differently in people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. For example, Middle Eastern, Indian, Mediterranean, and South Asian women tend to have higher rates of excess hair growth due to PMOS than East Asian and white populations.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295020a83a-8104-4a1a-add3-e7e3431965c5 In addition, PMOS can have varying metabolic effects on people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, possibly due to genetic differences and socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors: Hispanic women with PMOS are more likely to have high fasting insulin levels, which are associated with an increased risk of diabetes, compared with non-Hispanic white women.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c45b3332-e395-47f2-8a70-d6ced2bf041d Hispanic women with PMOS may also have a higher risk of developing certain mental health issues, such as postpartum depression. Black women with PMOS were found to have both higher fasting insulin levels and higher systolic blood pressure, compared with white women, and may have a higher risk of metabolic symptoms like insulin resistance. Asian women with PMOS had much lower rates of obesity, compared with other racial groups. However, they were more likely to develop diabetes than white women. Most previous research on PMOS has focused on white populations, so more research is needed on diverse populations to better understand the unique ways that PMOS affects people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds.