Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a common hormonal disorder with the potential to disrupt ovulation and fertility.
PMOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions, affecting one in 10 women of reproductive age. Symptoms can vary in severity they may cause – some individuals may not be significantly affected, while in others, PMOS can cause considerable distress. Fortunately, effective treatments exist, including to improve fertility.
Formerly known as PCOS, PMOS is a hormonal condition characterised by endocrine, reproductive, cardiometabolic, dermatologic and psychological features. These may include menstrual cycle irregularities, infertility, endometrial cancer and pregnancy complications, anxiety/depression symptoms, skin and hair changes (acne, hirsutism) and metabolic features (insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus). High androgen levels and insulin resistance cause ovulation dysfunction as well as other metabolic, dermatological and psychological symptoms.
With the disruption to your normal hormone balance, you may not experience regular menstrual periods and ovulation. As an egg is not released every month, this can make it difficult for you to fall pregnant.
This hormone imbalance can cause PMOS/PCOS symptoms, including:
In addition to its effects on your fertility, PMOS is also associated with long-term effects on your health. Women with PMOS have an increased risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnoea.
Getting expert help to confirm a PMOS/PCOS diagnosis and explore treatment options based on your symptoms and family building goals can improve your quality of life and get you on your way to parenthood.
There is no single test for PCOS/PMOS. A diagnosis can be made in adults if you meet at least two of the following:
Other endocrine disorders must be excluded such as thyroid disease, adrenal dysfunction, and pituitary gland dysfunction.
To confirm a diagnosis of PMOS, Dr Anna will discuss your medical history and symptoms. This may involve talking about your menstrual cycles, what PMOS/PCOS symptoms you are experiencing, and any other unusual symptoms that may mean conditions other than PMOS need to be excluded. The conversation can also include your current fertility goals, to help guide Dr Anna’s treatment planning.
PMOS/PCOS management is tailored to your symptoms, reproductive goals, and overall health. Treatment may focus on improving fertility, regulating periods, managing symptoms, or supporting long-term health.
Lifestyle changes can play an important role in managing PMOS/PCOS symptoms and improving fertility. Even modest improvements in weight, nutrition, physical activity, and sleep can help regulate hormone function and ovulation in some women.
Dr Anna may recommend support with:
The value of managing physical PMOS/PCOS symptoms in improving your confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life should not be overlooked. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and how much distress they cause you, you may consider dermatological skin treatments for acne or permanent hair removal techniques for unwanted hair.
As PMOS is a hormonal disorder, cosmetic treatments are most effective when used alongside other therapies that address the hormone imbalance.
Certain medications may be prescribed to treat symptoms including irregular ovulation, unwanted hair growth, acne, and weight gain. Medications may include:
As hormonal contraceptives (birth control) are often used to manage PMOS-related menstrual disturbances, it is important to disclose whether you are trying to conceive or planning to in the near future.
If PMOS/PCOS is affecting your fertility, treatment aims to support regular ovulation and improve your chance of conception. Dr Anna will discuss the most appropriate PCOS/PMOS fertility treatment for you, which will be influenced by factors such as your symptoms, your age, your partner’s sperm quality, and whether there are any other barriers to conceiving or having a healthy pregnancy.
Fertility medication may be used to help stimulate the ovaries to release an egg regularly. This is often one of the first-line fertility treatments for women with PMOS who are not ovulating consistently.
Blood tests and ultrasound scans may be used throughout your cycle to monitor follicle development and identify when ovulation is likely to occur. This can help optimise the timing of intercourse or insemination.
IUI involves placing prepared sperm directly into your uterus around the time of ovulation to improve the chance of fertilisation. It may be recommended in selected cases, particularly when ovulation has been successfully induced.
IVF involves collecting eggs from your ovaries, fertilising them with your partner’s or a donor’s sperm in a laboratory, and transferring the embryo into your uterus. IVF may be recommended if other treatments have not been successful or if there are additional fertility factors involved.
Dr Anna will explain your options clearly and collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan suited to your individual fertility goals.
