A new name reflects a better understanding of how this common condition affects hormones, metabolism and reproductive health.
A significant change has recently taken place in the understanding and naming of PCOS in the UK. The condition previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is now being increasingly referred to as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
The new name reflects a much broader understanding of the condition and the way it affects the body. For many years, the term “PCOS” caused confusion. Many people diagnosed with the condition do not actually have ovarian cysts, and the small fluid-filled follicles seen on ultrasound are not true cysts at all. More importantly, the condition affects far more than the ovaries.
PMOS is now recognised as a complex condition involving hormones, metabolism, insulin regulation and reproductive health.
What is PMOS?
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women and people assigned female at birth. It is thought to affect around one in ten women.
The condition can interfere with ovulation, which is why many people experience irregular periods or fertility difficulties. Many people with PMOS also have insulin resistance. This means the body does not respond to insulin properly, causing insulin levels to rise. Higher insulin levels can increase weight gain, affect hormone balance and worsen symptoms.
PMOS can affect many areas of health, including periods, weight, skin, hair growth, fertility and long-term metabolic health.
Symptoms of PMOS
Symptoms vary from person to person and may develop gradually over time. Some people only experience mild symptoms, while others are more significantly affected.
Common symptoms include irregular or infrequent periods, very heavy bleeding, acne, excess facial or body hair, thinning hair on the scalp, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, tiredness and fertility problems.
Some people with PMOS may also develop conditions linked to insulin resistance, including pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Because symptoms can be wide-ranging, many people live with the condition for years before receiving a diagnosis.
How is PMOS diagnosed?
There is no single test for PMOS. Doctors usually diagnose the condition based on a combination of symptoms, blood tests and, in some cases, an ultrasound scan.
A diagnosis is commonly made when at least two of the following are present:
- irregular ovulation or irregular periods
- higher androgen levels (a group of hormones often called “male sex hormones,” that women also naturally produce in small amounts) either on blood tests or through symptoms such as acne or excess hair growth.
- polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound
Blood tests may also be used to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Why is PMOS important in womb cancer?
One of the most important reasons for recognising and treating PMOS is its link with womb cancer.
People with PMOS often ovulate less frequently. When ovulation does not happen regularly, the lining of the womb can remain exposed to oestrogen without enough progesterone to balance its effects. Over time, this may cause the lining of the womb to become abnormally thick.
In some people, this can lead to a condition called endometrial hyperplasia, which is a pre-cancerous thickening of the womb lining. In a smaller number of cases, this may progress to womb cancer.
The risk may be higher in people who also have obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes or long gaps between periods. However, it is important to remember that most people with PMOS will not develop womb cancer.
Symptoms of womb cancer to be aware of
The most common symptom of womb cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This includes bleeding after the menopause, bleeding between periods, unusually heavy periods or periods becoming increasingly irregular.
Some people may also experience pelvic pain or unusual vaginal discharge.
Any unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding should always be checked by a healthcare professional.
A better understanding of the condition
The move from “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” to “Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome” reflects a growing understanding that this is not simply an ovarian condition. It is a whole-body condition involving hormones, metabolism and long-term health.
Improving awareness of PMOS may help people receive earlier diagnosis, better support and greater understanding of important associated health risks, including womb cancer.
We have updated the Peaches website to reflect the change from PCOS to PMOS.
Join Peaches Future Voices
Peaches Future Voices (PFV) is a new group that brings together people at higher risk of womb cancer, or have been investigated for abnormal bleeding, with researchers. If you, or someone you know, has PMOS – you can help shape research so it makes a real difference for those who come after you.
Find out more about Peaches Future VoicesSome medical conditions increase the risk of developing womb cancer.
