Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic condition that affects around 1 in 5 women, and people assigned female at birth. PMOS can affect menstrual cycles, ovulation, skin, hair, weight, fertility, and long-term metabolic health. Symptoms and severity can vary significantly from person to person.

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PMOS is associated with changes in the way the body responds to hormones, particularly insulin and androgens (such as testosterone). Many people with PMOS have insulin resistance, where the body produces higher levels of insulin but does not use it effectively. Some also have higher-than-usual androgen levels, which can contribute to symptoms such as acne, excess facial or body hair, and hair thinning.

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Diagnosis of PMOS is based on a combination of your symptoms, medical history, blood tests, and sometimes a pelvic ultrasound. There is no single test for PMOS, and not everyone will experience the same symptoms.

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Common symptoms of PMOS may include:

• Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods

• Difficulty with fertility, and sometimes absent ovulation

• Weight gain or difficulty managing weight

• Acne or oily skin

• Excess facial or body hair growth

• Thinning hair or hair loss from the scalp

• Fatigue

• Mood changes, including anxiety or low mood