PCOS becomes PMOS: A New Name, A Better Understanding

This blog post was written by Katy's intern, Charlotte Milone, from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, was recently renamed as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). This shift reflects what many people living with PMOS have known for years: this condition affects multiple systems throughout the body, including hormone regulation, metabolism, and reproductive health. 

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome is a chronic condition impacting both the endocrine and metabolic systems of 10–13% of individuals of reproductive age. The exact cause of PMOS is unknown, but there is a significant genetic component to the development of the condition. There are also environmental components that play a role in the development and severity of the condition. Currently, to diagnose PMOS, the Rotterdam criteria are used. Under these criteria, a person must be displaying two of the three following features: irregular ovulation, high androgen levels, or polycystic ovaries. However, there are many more components to the syndrome than these features. Some symptoms that are common among those with PMOS include, but are not limited to: reduced fertility, thinning of hair or hair loss, abnormal hair growth, insulin resistance, high body weight or difficulty losing weight, depression or anxiety, and acne. 

The prevalence estimate of PMOS is likely not so accurate, as it is also estimated that up to 70% of women with PMOS worldwide are not aware of their condition. This is likely partially due to limited research on PMOS, and consequently a lack of clarity within the healthcare community regarding the etiology and manifestation of the condition. The condition was named in this way because, as mentioned, some women who have PMOS develop polycystic ovaries as a part of their clinical presentation. However, not all women with PMOS have polycystic ovaries, and the title leaves out clinical attributes of the syndrome, making the label inaccurate and misleading. The name can put forth the idea that PMOS is a reproductive condition, when it is so much more than this, impacting many other systems within the body. Renaming the condition to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome was such a win within the healthcare community, and for those impacted by the condition, as it more accurately captures the breadth of the syndrome. 

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to management, nutrition can play a huge role. Book a free discovery call with Katy if you are interested in supporting PMOS with nutrition.