Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
Q: What is polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)?
A: Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is the new official medical name for the condition previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is a hormonal disorder that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. It causes an imbalance in sex hormones, which can lead to a variety of symptoms such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, weight gain, and difficulty getting pregnant.
Q: What causes PMOS?
A: The exact cause of PMOS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a genetic predisposition, insulin resistance and excess androgen production.
Q: How is PMOS diagnosed?
A: PMOS can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, ultrasound of the ovaries, and blood tests to check hormone levels. In many women with PMOS, the hormone results on the blood tests are normal. Being overweight is not essential for the diagnosis of the condition.
Q: How is PMOS treated?
A: PMOS can be treated through a combination of lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet modifications, as well as medication to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms. Medical treatments include oral contraceptive pill, antiandrogens (testosterone blockers) and insulin sensitisers such as metformin, liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Ozempic).
Q: How does PMOS cause infertility?
A: Failure to ovulate occurs in women who have infrequent periods or no periods at all. Ovulation can be improved with weight loss and various treatments including metformin, clomifene and letrozole. Women with regular periods do not usually have a problem conceiving.
Q: Is PMOS curable?
A: PMOS is not curable, but it can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. Women with PMOS can still have healthy pregnancies and live healthy lives with proper management of their symptoms.
Consultants
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Dr Nemanja Stojanovic Consultant Endocrinologist
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Dr Umasuthan Srirangalingam Consultant Physician in Diabetes and Endocrinology
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Dr Clementina La Rosa Consultant Paediatrician and Endocrinologist
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Dr Teng-Teng Chung Consultant Endocrinologist
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Professor Gerard Conway Consultant Endocrinologist
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