6–13% – The estimated proportion of women of reproductive age who have PMOS.
70% – The estimated proportion of women with PMOS who remain undiagnosed.
5–10% of body weight – Weight loss of this magnitude may help improve the menstrual cycle, insulin sensitivity and other symptoms in women with PMOS and overweight or obesity.
What Is Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS, Previously PCOS)?
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age. The condition is characterised by hormonal disturbances that can affect the menstrual cycle, ovulation, fertility and the body’s metabolism.
For many years, the condition was primarily regarded as a gynaecological disorder, but it is now clear that PMOS affects several hormonal systems and metabolic functions throughout the body. For this reason, an international expert group has proposed changing the name from PCOS to PMOS to better reflect the broader biological impact of the condition.
In addition to irregular periods, absent ovulation and elevated androgen levels, insulin resistance is common. Overweight and obesity are also frequently seen in PMOS. Many women with PMOS have elevated blood lipids, high blood pressure or other signs of metabolic ill health. Even women with a healthy weight can have insulin resistance, but excess weight often worsens metabolic disturbances. This increases the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and cardiovascular disease.
Diagnosis is usually based on a combination of symptoms, blood tests and sometimes an ultrasound examination of the ovaries. Common diagnostic criteria include irregular ovulation, elevated androgen levels and characteristic changes in the ovaries.
PMOS is estimated to affect around 6–13% of women of reproductive age, but many remain undiagnosed. Some studies suggest that up to 70% of people living with the condition have not received a diagnosis, despite symptoms that can affect health, fertility and quality of life.
PMOS is therefore not simply a condition that affects the ovaries, but a complex hormonal and metabolic syndrome that can influence multiple organ systems throughout the body.
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome and Insulin Resistance – How Are They Connected?
Insulin resistance is common in Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome and is considered an important part of the underlying mechanisms of the condition. Insulin resistance means that the body’s cells respond less effectively to insulin, requiring the body to produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Elevated insulin levels affect not only blood sugar regulation but also hormonal balance. Insulin can stimulate the ovaries to produce androgens, which may contribute to symptoms such as irregular periods, absent ovulation and increased hair growth.
At the same time, insulin resistance is closely linked to overweight, particularly abdominal obesity. Excess weight can worsen insulin resistance, while insulin resistance itself can make weight regulation more challenging. This contributes to the increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases seen in many women with PMOS.
Although not all women with PMOS have overweight or insulin resistance, the relationship is so common that improving insulin sensitivity is often an important goal of treatment.
Metformin is sometimes used in PMOS, particularly when insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes is present, although treatment is always tailored to the individual.
Symptoms of PMOS: From Irregular Periods to Increased Hair Growth
Symptoms of PMOS vary between individuals, but the most common are irregular or absent menstrual periods, increased hair growth and acne. Many women also experience difficulties becoming pregnant due to absent or irregular ovulation.
Many symptoms are linked to elevated levels of androgens (male sex hormones). Increased hair growth, known as hirsutism, often appears on the chin, upper lip, chest, abdomen or back. Acne and oily skin are also common symptoms.
However, PMOS affects more than just the reproductive system. Many women also experience insulin resistance, overweight or obesity and other signs of metabolic ill health. Fatigue, low energy levels, sleep difficulties and mental health challenges such as low mood or anxiety are also more common among women with PMOS than in the general population.
The way symptoms present varies between individuals. Some experience only mild symptoms, while others find that the condition has a more significant impact on daily life.
Why Is PMOS Most Often Diagnosed in Women of Reproductive Age?
PMOS is most commonly diagnosed during the reproductive years because many of its characteristic symptoms are linked to the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Irregular periods, absent ovulation, acne and increased hair growth often lead women to seek medical advice and receive a diagnosis.
Many women also become aware of the condition during fertility investigations when trying to conceive. Because PMOS can affect ovulation, it may sometimes take longer to become pregnant.
Although reproductive symptoms are often the main focus during the reproductive years, PMOS is not solely a fertility condition. Insulin resistance and other metabolic changes may persist after menopause, contributing to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease.
Can Medical Weight Management Help with PMOS?
For women with PMOS and overweight or obesity, medical weight management may be used alongside dietary changes, physical activity and other lifestyle measures. Weight loss can improve insulin resistance and contribute to better metabolic health, which may in turn improve several symptoms associated with the condition.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), can support weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite. For some women with PMOS and obesity, weight loss may lead to improved insulin sensitivity, more regular menstrual cycles and improved hormonal markers.
Because insulin resistance is common in PMOS, weight loss can have positive effects on body weight, blood sugar regulation and other metabolic risk factors. The extent of improvement varies between individuals, and medication should always be considered based on the individual’s health and needs.
Medical weight management does not replace healthy lifestyle habits, but for some people it can be a valuable tool for achieving sustainable weight loss and improved metabolic health.
Frequently Asked Questions About PMOS and Weight Loss
How Is PMOS (Previously PCOS) Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually based on a combination of symptoms, blood tests and sometimes an ultrasound examination of the ovaries. Common diagnostic criteria include irregular ovulation, elevated androgen levels and characteristic changes in the ovaries.
Can Weight Loss Improve PMOS Symptoms?
Yes. For women with overweight or obesity, weight loss can improve several symptoms and health risks associated with PMOS. Even a weight loss of 5–10% of body weight can improve insulin sensitivity, contribute to more regular menstrual cycles and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
The extent of improvement varies between individuals, but weight loss is often an important part of treatment.
How Does PMOS Affect Fertility?
PMOS can affect fertility because the condition often leads to irregular or absent ovulation. This does not mean that pregnancy is impossible, but it may take longer to conceive.
For women with overweight or obesity, weight loss can improve the likelihood of regular ovulation and therefore increase the chances of becoming pregnant. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is important to discuss any medication with your doctor, as some weight-loss medications should not be used during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.
Do All Women with PMOS Have Overweight?
No. PMOS can occur in people across all weight categories. However, overweight, obesity and insulin resistance are more common among women with PMOS than in the general population. Even women with a healthy weight may have insulin resistance and other metabolic risk factors associated with the condition.
Is PMOS Hereditary?
Yes. Genetics play a role in PMOS. The risk of developing the condition is higher if close relatives, such as a mother or sister, also have the condition. At the same time, symptoms are influenced by other factors including body weight, insulin resistance and lifestyle habits.
Is PMOS the Same as PCOS?
Yes. PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is the new name proposed for the condition previously known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). The name change is intended to better reflect the fact that the condition affects multiple hormonal systems and the body’s metabolism, not only the ovaries.
Why Can It Be More Difficult to Lose Weight with PMOS?
Many women with PMOS have insulin resistance, which can affect metabolism and weight regulation. In addition, hormonal changes may influence hunger, fullness and fat storage. As a result, weight loss can sometimes be more challenging than for people without PMOS.
At the same time, research shows that even moderate weight loss can lead to significant improvements in both hormonal balance and metabolic health.
The Yazen Model: A Holistic Approach to Weight Health
For women with PMOS and overweight or obesity, medical weight management may need to address several aspects at the same time. The condition affects hormones, metabolism and weight regulation, which means that many people may benefit from support that goes beyond advice on diet and exercise alone.
At Yazen, doctors and coaches work together to create an individually tailored treatment plan. When needed, dietitians, psychologists and personal trainers may also be involved. The goal is to support sustainable weight loss, improve metabolic health and help people establish long-term healthy lifestyle habits.
Medication can form part of the treatment. Combined with regular follow-up and support around nutrition, physical activity, sleep and behaviour change, this can create better conditions for managing both body weight and the metabolic challenges that often occur alongside PMOS.
.svg)