Learn about Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS, including symptoms, causes, metabolic health, diagnosis and management.

PCOS is now PMOS. September is recognised globally as PCOS Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of one of the most common endocrine conditions affecting women of reproductive age.

However, 2026 brings an important change that everyone should know about.

The condition formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has now been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) following an international consensus process involving medical professionals, researchers, patient organisations and people living with the condition.

The name change was published in The Lancet in May 2026 following a global process involving 56 academic, clinical and patient organisations. The updated terminology is also reflected in the 2026 international evidence-based guideline.

While PCOS remains widely recognised and may continue to appear in medical records, online searches and everyday conversations during the transition, PMOS is now the preferred name for the condition formerly known as PCOS.

At Procare Hospital Abuja, we believe that better health begins with better understanding. This September, we are joining the conversation to help women recognise the signs of PMOS, understand its broader effects on hormonal, metabolic and reproductive health, and know when to seek professional medical care.

What Is PMOS?

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a complex, long-term hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect several aspects of a woman’s health.

The former name, “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,” could give the impression that the condition is primarily about cysts on the ovaries. However, the new name reflects a broader understanding of the condition and its effects on endocrine, metabolic and ovarian function.

PMOS can affect:

Menstrual cycles and ovulation
Hormonal balance
Skin and hair
Weight and metabolism
Blood sugar regulation
Reproductive health and fertility
Mental and emotional wellbeing
Long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health

Importantly, PMOS does not look the same in every woman. Some women may experience several symptoms, while others may have only a few noticeable signs. This is one reason why awareness and appropriate medical evaluation are so important.

PCOS/PMOS Awareness Month Is Observed Every September

Throughout the month, healthcare organisations, advocacy groups, medical professionals and communities use the opportunity to educate the public, challenge misconceptions and encourage people experiencing symptoms to seek appropriate medical evaluation.

The global burden is significant. PMOS affects approximately 1 in 8 women, representing more than 170 million people worldwide. At Procare Hospital Abuja, our goal is to use this awareness month to make conversations about hormonal, menstrual, metabolic and reproductive health easier, more informed and less stigmatised.

This awareness month, we aim to:

Improve understanding of PMOS
Help women recognise possible symptoms
Correct common misconceptions
Encourage timely medical evaluation
Promote awareness of hormonal and metabolic health
Support women experiencing menstrual or reproductive concerns
Encourage appropriate long-term health monitoring
Promote personalised and multidisciplinary care

Why Should You Understand PMOS?

PMOS awareness is about much more than knowing the name of a condition.

For many women, symptoms may be dismissed as “normal,” attributed solely to weight, or treated individually without identifying the underlying hormonal or metabolic condition. Better awareness can help women recognise that persistent changes in their menstrual cycles, skin, hair, weight, metabolism or reproductive health may deserve professional evaluation.

Understanding PMOS can help with:

1. Recognising Symptoms Earlier

Irregular periods, excessive hair growth, persistent acne or unexplained hair thinning may be signs that deserve attention.

2. Reducing Misconceptions

PMOS is not simply an ovarian problem, and it is not caused simply by being overweight.

3. Understanding Metabolic Health

PMOS can be associated with insulin resistance and increased metabolic risks, making metabolic and hormonal health an important part of comprehensive care.

4. Addressing Reproductive Health

Some women with PMOS experience difficulty with ovulation and conception, although fertility is only one part of the condition. Procare Hospital also provides fertility evaluation and treatment services when required.

5. Supporting Long-Term Health

PMOS can have implications beyond the reproductive years, making appropriate monitoring and personalised care important.

What Are the Common Symptoms of PMOS?

PMOS can present differently from one person to another. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, and having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean that someone has PMOS.

Common features may include:

Irregular or Missed Periods

Periods may occur less frequently or become unpredictable. Some women may have cycles that are unusually long or may miss periods altogether.

Excess Hair Growth

Some women may develop coarse or excessive hair on areas such as the face, chest, abdomen or back. This is known as hirsutism.

Acne

Persistent or severe acne, particularly on the face, chest or back, may be associated with hormonal changes.

Hair Thinning

Some women may experience thinning of the hair on the scalp or a pattern of hair loss associated with increased androgen activity.

Difficulty with Ovulation

PMOS can interfere with regular ovulation, which may contribute to irregular menstrual cycles.

Fertility Difficulties

For some women, irregular or absent ovulation can make conception more difficult. However, PMOS does not mean that a woman cannot become pregnant.

Weight Changes or Difficulty Managing Weight

Some women experience weight gain or difficulty losing weight. However, PMOS can occur in people across different body sizes.

Metabolic Changes

Some individuals may experience insulin resistance, elevated blood glucose, abnormal cholesterol levels or other metabolic changes.

Skin Changes

Darkened areas of skin, particularly around the neck or other body folds, and the development of skin tags may occur in some people.

Mood and Mental Health Changes

Anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life can occur alongside PMOS and should be taken seriously as part of overall health.

Important: Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have PMOS. Several other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms. Proper diagnosis requires assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.

What Causes PMOS?

There is no single cause of PMOS. Current evidence suggests that the condition develops through an interaction of genetic, hormonal and metabolic factors.

Hormonal Factors

Many people with PMOS have increased androgen activity. Androgens are hormones produced by both women and men, although the levels and patterns differ.

Increased androgen activity can contribute to symptoms such as:

Excess facial or body hair
Acne
Hair thinning
Disrupted ovulation

Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Factors

Insulin resistance is an important feature for many people with PMOS.

When the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, the body may compensate by producing more insulin. Increased insulin levels can contribute to hormonal disturbances and may stimulate increased androgen production. Insulin resistance can also be associated with an increased risk of metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes.

Importantly, PMOS is not caused simply by being overweight. People of different body sizes can develop PMOS, including women who are not overweight.

Genetic Susceptibility

PMOS can run in families. Having a close relative with PMOS or certain metabolic conditions may increase a person’s likelihood of developing the condition. However, there is no single “PMOS gene.” Rather, multiple genetic and biological factors are believed to contribute to susceptibility.

Other Factors

Researchers continue to investigate the contribution of other biological and environmental factors, including inflammation and prenatal hormonal influences. The exact mechanisms involved are complex and continue to be studied.

PMOS Is Not Just About Fertility

One of the most important things to understand about PMOS is that it is not simply a fertility condition. Although some women with PMOS experience difficulty with ovulation or conception, the condition can affect many other areas of health.

PMOS may involve:
Hormonal health → Menstrual health → Metabolic health → Skin and hair → Reproductive health → Mental wellbeing → Long-term health

This broader perspective is one of the key reasons behind the 2026 name change. The international consensus process found that the former name could narrow understanding of the condition by focusing attention on “polycystic” ovaries, while the condition actually involves broader endocrine, metabolic and ovarian dysfunction.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or unexplained symptoms such as:

Irregular or consistently missed periods
Unexplained excessive facial or body hair
Persistent or severe acne
Unexplained hair thinning
Difficulty with ovulation
Difficulty conceiving
Significant or unexplained changes in weight
Signs that may suggest insulin resistance
Concerns about blood sugar or cholesterol
Symptoms affecting your emotional wellbeing or quality of life

You do not need to wait until you are trying to conceive before discussing possible PMOS with a doctor. Your menstrual health, hormonal health and metabolic health all matter.

How Is PMOS Diagnosed?

There is no single test that confirms PMOS. Diagnosis generally involves a healthcare professional reviewing your medical history and symptoms and, when appropriate, carrying out physical examination, laboratory investigations and other assessments.

Your doctor may evaluate areas such as:

Menstrual patterns
Ovulation
Androgen levels
Blood glucose and metabolic health
Other hormone levels
Symptoms affecting the skin and hair
Other possible causes of your symptoms

Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, appropriate medical assessment is important.

Do not self-diagnose based on symptoms alone.

Can PMOS Be Treated?

Yes.

Although there is currently no single cure for PMOS, its symptoms and associated health risks can be managed effectively with personalised care. Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, health priorities and goals.

Management may involve:

Lifestyle and nutritional support
Management of metabolic risk factors
Medication where appropriate
Menstrual cycle management
Management of acne or excess hair growth
Ovulation and fertility support where required
Psychological and emotional support
Long-term monitoring of metabolic and reproductive health

The right treatment plan is different for every individual.

PMOS Care at Procare Hospital Abuja

At Procare Hospital Abuja, we recognise that women’s health goes beyond a single symptom or diagnosis. Our approach is centred on understanding the individual as a whole and providing appropriate medical evaluation and personalised care for hormonal, menstrual, metabolic and reproductive health concerns. Women seeking assessment for possible PMOS may benefit from evaluation and guidance covering areas such as:

Menstrual and hormonal health
Gynaecological assessment
Metabolic and endocrine health
Nutritional and lifestyle guidance
Ovulation and reproductive health
Fertility assessment when required
Long-term health monitoring

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with PMOS, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional can help you understand what may be happening and determine the appropriate next step.

Our team offers:

Comprehensive hormonal and metabolic evaluation
Personalised management plans (lifestyle, medical, fertility-focused)
Multidisciplinary care across gynaecology, endocrinology and nutrition
Long-term health monitoring and support

Book an appointment with a gynaecologist at Procare Hospital Abuja to start your journey toward better understanding and management of PMOS.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general health education and does not replace an individual medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

UNDERSTANDING PMOS, THE NEW NAME AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR WOMEN