Let's Talk About PMOS
Living with PMOS is more than experiencing a collection of symptoms.
It can shape how someone relates to their body. A period may be something they wait for, worry about, or try to predict. Changes to hair, skin, or weight can affect how they see themselves. Fertility may become a source of grief or uncertainty. Even for someone who does not want children, feeling that the choice may not be entirely theirs can be difficult.
September is PMOS Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to look more closely at a condition that affects around 1 in 8 women and is becoming better understood.
Earlier this year, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was officially renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This is a significant milestone. Why? Because the previous name placed the focus on ovarian “cysts,” missing the fact that PMOS is a complex condition involving hormones and metabolism. The follicles commonly seen on an ultrasound are not actually cysts, and not everyone with PMOS has them.
PMOS is a lifelong condition influenced by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. It is not caused by any single behaviour or personal choice.
The experience can vary considerably. PMOS may cause irregular or absent periods, excess facial or body hair, acne, or thinning hair on the scalp. It can also affect insulin resistance, weight management, ovulation, fertility, and emotional wellbeing.
For some, the signs appear during adolescence. For others, PMOS is not recognised until they try to become pregnant or seek help for symptoms that have affected them for years.
PMOS can be managed, although what helps will be different for everyone. If you recognise some of the signs, keeping track of your periods and symptoms can be helpful. A GP can look at the overall pattern and discuss whether further assessment is needed. Treatment may help with periods, skin and hair changes, insulin resistance, or fertility, depending on what matters to you.
PMOS is also linked with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, although this does not mean everyone with PMOS will develop these conditions. Regular health checks can help identify changes early, while nutrition, movement, and sleep can support overall health.
PMOS is often associated with the reproductive years, but it remains relevant as we age. As someone enters perimenopause, the hormonal and metabolic aspects of PMOS still matter. Understanding our health, knowing our bodies, and paying attention to changes can help us make informed choices through midlife and beyond.
All of this is to say that our health matters. Knowing our bodies and paying attention when something changes can help us stay on top of our health throughout our lives.