Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS) is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management and treatment. By prioritising early diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and supportive care, women with PMOS can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
PMOS affects approximately 10% of women worldwide, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of childbearing age. Despite its prevalence, over half of women with PMOS are undiagnosed, partly due to the variability of symptoms
PMOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterised by a combination of symptoms that can impact menstrual function, fertility, skin and hair, and metabolic processes.
It is often associated with enlarged ovaries that contain numerous small cysts, insulin resistance, and elevated levels of male hormones (androgens), leading to a variety of health and cosmetic concerns. Understanding PMOS is the first step towards managing its symptoms and mitigating its impact on your health and quality of life.
Living with PMOS can be challenging, not just physically but emotionally and psychologically. Access to supportive communities, whether online or in-person, can provide valuable resources, encouragement, and advocacy for those affected. Education and awareness are key to improving diagnosis rates and treatment outcomes.
While the exact underlying cause of PMOS is not fully understood, genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors are known to play a role. These risk factors can include having a first-degree family member with PMOS, living with obesity, or being exposed to certain hormone-disrupting chemicals and pollution in your environment.
PMOS can increase the risk of several long-term health issues, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and management.
The symptoms of PMOS can vary significantly from one individual to another, and many women may not correlate these symptoms to the hormonal disruption from PMOS at first. Symptoms can include:
Diagnosing PMOS typically involves a combination of clinical history review, physical examination, ultrasound imaging to assess your ovaries for fluid-filled sacs (cysts), and blood tests to measure hormone levels. You may approach your GP if you suspect you have PMOS from your symptoms or ask for a referral to a gynaecologist.
A diagnosis of PMOS can be made with evidence of at least two of the following:
While there is no cure for PMOS, a range of treatments can help manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications. Dr Huang tailors her treatment plan to your symptoms, their severity, and your fertility goals.
Optimising your weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can improve your body’s insulin sensitivity, reduce androgen levels, and alleviate many of your PMOS symptoms. For some women with PMOS trying to conceive, even losing a small amount of weight can improve your fertility enough for spontaneous conception.
Hormonal contraceptives such as the oral contraceptive pill can regulate your menstrual cycles and reduce acne and unwanted hair growth. Metformin, a medication typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, can also help to improve your insulin resistance and regulate ovulation in some women. For others, weight loss medications can help with weight management and metabolic health, while also conferring benefits for fertility. If you are seeking to become pregnant, Dr Huang may prescribe fertility medication to stimulate ovulation and increase your chances of conceiving in that cycle.
Cosmetic interventions such as laser hair removal, electrolysis, and specialised skincare treatments can be effective at managing symptoms like hirsutism and acne. Though therapies that address the hormone imbalance are still necessary, the positive impact on your self-esteem and confidence from cosmetic treatments should not be understated.
In certain cases, a minimally invasive procedure known as ovarian drilling may be considered. This is performed via laparoscopy through keyhole incisions in your abdomen. Tiny holes created on the surface of your ovaries using heat or laser can help to reduce the amount of androgen hormones produced by these tissues. Ovarian drilling has been utilised to help improve the hormonal environment inside the ovary and may restore normal ovulation and improve fertility in some women.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Testing may help identify ovulation issues, hormone imbalances, ovarian reserve concerns and other factors affecting fertility.
