One in eight women lives with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The new name reflects a better understanding of this complex condition, which affects everything from your menstrual cycle to your metabolism.
While PMOS can be extremely frustrating and disruptive, there are many ways to reduce the impact of its symptoms. At Evergreen Women’s Health in Vancouver, Washington, Cynthia McNally, MD, and our gynecology team work with you to find answers and personalized management options.
Understanding PMOS is the first step in managing it effectively. Here, we take a closer look at the most common symptoms, the diagnostic process, and the treatment strategies that can help you feel your best.
More than just a reproductive issue, PMOS impacts the endocrine system — the network of glands responsible for producing and regulating hormones throughout your body. This leads to a chronic hormonal imbalance that can affect multiple areas of your health, including:
PMOS causes the ovaries to produce excess androgens, like testosterone, that interfere with normal ovulation. As a result, many women with the condition experience irregular, absent, or abnormally heavy periods. Unpredictable ovulation may also cause fertility challenges for those trying to conceive.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body turn sugar (glucose) from food into energy. PMOS often goes hand in hand with insulin resistance, where cells become less responsive to insulin’s signals.
To compensate, your body produces more of the hormone, which affects blood sugar regulation and can contribute to weight gain, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, and other metabolic concerns.
Excess androgen activity can alter your hair follicles and skin health, leading to issues like thinning scalp hair, stubborn acne, and increased facial or body hair growth. Some women also experience mood-related symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression.
Because the symptoms vary widely from person to person, PMOS is notoriously easy to overlook or mistake for another issue. Many women live with the condition for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
To get a clear picture of your hormonal health, our team looks for at least two of the following three diagnostic criteria:
However, these follicles aren’t always present, so a normal ultrasound scan doesn’t rule out the possibility of PMOS if you meet the other two criteria.
There’s no cure or one-size-fits-all treatment for PMOS, but the condition is highly manageable with professional guidance and care. Depending on your specific needs, Dr. McNally may recommend one or a combination of these strategies:
If fertility is a concern, ovulation-inducing medications and lifestyle changes may help improve your chances of conception.
You don’t have to navigate the complexities of PMOS on your own. Call or click to schedule an appointment at Evergreen Women’s Health and learn how you can regain control of your hormonal wellness.
