PCOS has been renamed to PMOS!
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
The renaming of PCOS to PMOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also referred to as PCOS, has been given a new name! As of May 2026, PCOS will now be known as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). PCOS was not the most accurate name, since not all women with PCOS have ovarian cysts. The new name is able to encompass the multiple metabolic dimensions of the syndrome. PMOS is increasingly affecting women in the world. It is estimated that 10-13% of all women have PMOS. Often, women don't even realize they have PMOS until they have trouble conceiving. It is crucial that women get diagnosed as soon as possible to possibly prevent infertility and other complications and learn how to manage their symptoms.
What Causes PMOS?
The cause of PMOS is not known. Women who have PMOS tend to have insulin resistance, which can cause androgen (male hormone) levels to increase.
Symptoms of PMOS:
Irregular periods or missed periods.
Cysts in ovaries.
Weight gain.
Insulin resistance.
Hirsutism (Increased body hair).
Acne.
Infertility.
Skin tags.
How is PMOS diagnosed?
PMOS is diagnosed if a woman has at least two of the three criteria, which are:
Signs of elevated male hormones, such as increased body hair, severe acne, or elevated blood tests.
Irregular or infrequent menstrual periods.
Multiple ovarian cysts seen on pelvic imaging.
Do you have PMOS and are struggling to conceive?
NaProTECHNOLOGY can help! NaProTECHNOLOGY utilizes the Creighton Method to track ovulation signs. PMOS can be diagnosed and effectively treated.
Does PMOS have any complications? Complications include:
Infertility.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Metabolic Syndrome
Type 2 diabetes
Sleep apnea
Depression
Anxiety
Eating Disorders
Uterine and ovarian cancer
How is PMOS commonly treated?
Lifestyle Changes. Maintaining a healthy weight can improve PMOS symptoms like insulin resistance and higher androgen levels.
Medication to regulate Periods. Some doctors prescribe birth control pills to regulate menstruation, but many women report side effects and unhappiness with this treatment plan. If hormones are needed, we prefer to use bioidentical progesterone.
Supplements. Alpha lipoic acid, berberine chloride, and inositols can be beneficial for PMOS.
Medication to treat infertility. Metformin, GLP-1s, Letrozole, clomiphene, tamoxifen, and gonadotropins are all medications that have been used to treat infertility with PMOS. Many women report experiencing side effects to these medications. If you are interested in a drug-free way to treat infertility, try NaProTECHNOLOGY.
Medication to treat hirsutism. Common medications given to treat the symptoms of hirsutism include spironolactone, birth control pills, and eflornithine. It is important to note that many women have reported side effects to these medications, and some have expressed regret of taking them. In addition, birth control pills have been named Class 1 carcinogens. Laser hair removal is another way to remove unwanted hair.
If you believe you may have PMOS, don’t wait to get diagnosed! Book an appointment at COLFS Medical Clinic, our providers are eager to help determine if you have PMOS and treat it.
