Poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting one in eight women, has been renamed poly endocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), as reported in The Lancet this week. The new name more accurately reflects the complex interaction of metabolic and hormonal features, rather than pathological cysts in the ovary.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of PMOS include:
- Irregular periods – fewer than 9 periods a year, highly unpredictable cycles or no periods at all – caused by infrequent or absent ovulation
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Excessive hair growth typically on the face or body, with or without thinning hair on the head
- Oily skin or acne
- Weight gain, difficulty losing weight, storing excess weight around the abdomen
- Mood swings, anxiety, low mood or fatigue
Women with PMOS have an increased chance of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol later in life.
A historical change
The renaming is the culmination of widespread recognition that the term poly cystic ovary syndrome misled patients and clinicians, contributing to delayed diagnosis, stigma and poorer quality care.
Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at NUH Life, Dr Fulva Dave, has a special clinical interest in PMOS.
Fulva commends the renaming: “This is long-awaited paradigm shift. We look forward to helping more PMOS patients on their fertility and pregnancy journeys.”
Getting help
If you are struggling with PMOS and subfertility, we can help.
If you’re in the East Midlands area, speak to your GP and ask for a referral to NUH Life at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
In the meantime, read our advice for optimising your preconception health.