What is PMOS
PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is the new name for PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). It is the same condition, with a name that better reflects how it affects the whole body.
A new name
In May 2026, a paper in The Lancet formally renamed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. The change came out of a global consensus process involving 56 academic, clinical and patient organisations and more than 22,000 survey responses.
The old name put the focus on ovarian cysts and fertility. The new name recognises PMOS as a hormonal and metabolic condition that can touch almost every part of your health, from blood sugar and skin to mood and energy.
You will still see “PCOS” in many places, including some of our older articles, and many clinicians will use both names for a while. Both describe the same condition.
Understanding PMOS
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is one of the most common hormonal conditions in the world, affecting approximately 1 in 8 women of reproductive age in the UK. Yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed.
PMOS is not simply a problem with the ovaries. It is a complex, multi-system condition rooted in hormonal imbalance, primarily elevated androgens (often called "male hormones") and disrupted insulin signalling. These imbalances ripple outward, touching almost every system in the body.
No two people experience PMOS the same way. Symptoms can range from irregular or absent periods, acne, hair thinning, and unexplained weight changes, to fatigue, low mood, anxiety, and difficulty with fertility, sometimes all at once, sometimes just a few. The unpredictability is part of what makes it so exhausting to navigate alone.
What PMOS actually involves
Elevated androgens drive acne, hair loss, and irregular cycles. Imbalanced LH and FSH affect egg development and ovulation.
Up to 70% of people with PMOS have insulin resistance, making blood sugar regulation harder and increasing long-term diabetes risk.
Women with PMOS experience depression and anxiety at significantly higher rates, often worsened by the condition's unpredictability and lack of support.
Chronic low-grade inflammation is present in most PMOS cases, contributing to fatigue, skin issues, and long-term cardiovascular risk.
Research consistently shows that targeted lifestyle changes (nutrition, movement, sleep and stress management) can significantly reduce PMOS symptoms without medication.
Getting support
If you think you might have PMOS, or your symptoms have changed, speak to your GP. They can talk you through your symptoms and arrange tests or referrals where needed. The NHS guide to PCOS is a helpful place to begin.
Clherity is not a medical service, but we are here for everything around it: honest stories from women living with PMOS, research-backed articles, and events where you can meet people who understand.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency or mental health crisis, please call
999 (emergency) or
NHS 111 (urgent advice).
Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7).
Clherity is not a crisis service.
We provide lifestyle education and peer community support, not medical or clinical care.
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