What is PMOS?

PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. It is the new term for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). This new terminology is to shift focus from the ovaries to a systemic metabolic syndrome. As we continue to adapt to this new terminology, diagnostic criteria may change. PCOS was diagnosed in a variety of ways, one of which was the Rotterdam Criteria.

Rotterdam Criteria required 2 of the following to diagnose PCOS. (1) Irregular menstruation, (2) Hirsutism signs (male hormone signs like hormonal acne or hair growth on face/chin), and (3) polycystic ovaries. Hirsutism can also be confirmed with elevated testosterone or DHEAS on bloodwork. Bloodwork is not necessary to confirm PCOS diagnosis. It’s also important to point out that some women with PCOS can have regular periods.

We will return to the new terminology: PMOS. You might be asking yourself, so what? I don’t have a regular period- great, I don’t like them anyway. Well, going longer than a month without a period is not good for the body long term. Basically people with PMOS aren’t ovulating regularly and aren’t producing progesterone regularly. Their body is under constant estrogen, which over time increases your risk for obesity, insulin resistance (think diabetes), and way down the line, endometrial cancer.

It’s best to restore progesterone back into your body to prevent these health risks. There are many forms to do this. We can also discuss other medications to help with other effects of PMOS. Medication to decrease your acne. Medication to prevent diabetes or to treat pre-diabetes if you already have it.

The point is- this is not just a problem with the ovary. It’s systemic. Come talk to me about it.