Polycystic ovary syndrome – also known as PCOS – was renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) in May 2026. It’s common and affects around three to four million women in the UK. PMOS can affect your periods, skin, hair growth, fertility and emotional wellbeing. Symptoms vary considerably: some women have mild symptoms, while others are more severely affected. There is no cure, but treatment can help you manage your symptoms and protect your health.
Why the name has changed
The old name suggested that ovarian cysts were the main problem. In fact, the small structures seen on scans are egg-containing follicles, and you can have the condition without this ovarian appearance.
The new name aims to reflect this wider picture. “Polyendocrine” refers to the involvement of several hormonal systems; “metabolic” concerns how your body processes and uses energy. The change is intended to encourage care that considers health throughout life, including when pregnancy is not a priority.
A new name alone will not improve services. Its value will depend on whether it is accompanied by clearer information, timely diagnosis and appropriate follow-up. Healthcare professionals also need to explain the change so that people recognise both names when reading information or discussing their care.
Recognising the symptoms
Common features of PMOS include irregular or absent periods, acne, increased facial or body hair, thinning scalp hair, and weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Some people also experience fatigue, anxiety or depression. Symptoms can affect confidence, relationships and everyday life, even when they appear mild to others.
The exact cause of PMOS is not fully understood. One important factor is “insulin resistance” – when the body responds less effectively to insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar.
The body may compensate by producing more insulin. This can increase production of androgens, hormones such as testosterone that women normally produce in small amounts. Higher androgen levels can affect hair growth and interfere with ovulation, the release of an egg.
This helps explain why periods can become unpredictable and getting pregnant may take longer. However, PMOS does not mean a person cannot have children. They can still become pregnant with irregular or absent periods, so contraception remains important.
How diagnosis works
GPs will ask about symptoms and periods and may arrange blood tests or make a referral to a specialist. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so they need to be considered as well.
In adults, diagnosis usually requires two of three features: irregular ovulation, signs or blood-test evidence of increased androgen activity, and a characteristic ovarian appearance on ultrasound.
An anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) blood test can sometimes replace the scan in this assessment; it cannot diagnose PMOS on its own. A scan is unnecessary when the first two features are established.
Treatment that fits a person’s needs
Treatment should reflect what matters to a patient, whether that is managing periods, skin symptoms, emotional wellbeing or planning a pregnancy. Patients can ask their doctor what each option is intended to achieve, what side effects it might cause and when treatment should be reviewed.
Hormonal treatments can help manage irregular periods. When periods are very infrequent, treatment may also protect the womb lining from becoming excessively thick. The risk of womb cancer is increased but remains small. Patients can discuss long gaps between periods with their GP rather than simply accepting them as part of the condition.
Depending on a patient’s needs, treatment may include metformin to help the body respond to insulin, medicines for acne or unwanted hair, or specialist treatment to help ovulation.
Balanced meals and regular physical activity support metabolic health, even when they do not lead to weight loss. There is no single diet that works best for everyone with PMOS. Advice should be specific to a person’s circumstances.
Care should also include emotional health. If a patient is struggling with anxiety, low mood or the effects of symptoms on their self-esteem, they can raise this during an appointment. These concerns need attention alongside physical symptoms.
Looking after longer-term health
PMOS is associated with increased risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This does not mean these problems are inevitable; cardiovascular disease remains uncommon before menopause. Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose checks can help guide care.
Guidance published in July 2026 proposes an annual review for people with PMOS. This would cover symptoms, medicines and longer-term health risks, providing an opportunity to discuss how the condition affects daily life. The final guidance is expected to be published in the next few months.
If you think you may have PMOS or your symptoms are affecting you, book a GP appointment. Keeping a record of periods, symptoms and questions can help you explain your concern. Ask what follow-up you need and who to contact if treatment is not helping. The NHS website and the patient charity Verity offer further information and support.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
