Woman representing PMOS — the new name for PCOS — a hormonal and metabolic condition affecting 170 million women worldwide

What Is PMOS? The New Name for PCOS Explained

What Is PMOS?

PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is the new name for the condition previously known as PCOS. The updated name reflects current scientific understanding that the condition is characterized by endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian dysfunction rather than ovarian cysts, and affects an estimated 170 million women worldwide.

Table of Contents

Why Is PCOS Being Renamed PMOS?

If you've been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), or suspect you might have it, there's important news.

Following a 14-year international collaboration involving more than 56 patient advocacy groups, researchers, clinicians, and professional organizations worldwide, the condition previously known as PCOS is being renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

The recommendation, published in The Lancet and led by Professor Helena Teede of Monash University, reflects a growing scientific understanding that the condition extends far beyond the ovaries.

The original name focused attention on ovarian cysts despite the fact that many women diagnosed with the condition do not have ovarian cysts at all. What they often do experience are disruptions in hormone production, insulin signaling, metabolism, ovulation, androgen balance, and overall health.

The inclusion of the words "polyendocrine" and "metabolic" reflects this broader understanding.

A three-year transition period is currently underway, with PMOS expected to be incorporated into the 2028 International Guideline update.

Woman living with PMOS formerly known as PCOS experiencing hormonal and metabolic symptoms

PMOS Affects 170 Million Women Worldwide

PMOS affects approximately 170 million women worldwide.

Let that sink in for a moment.

One hundred and seventy million women.

Despite affecting roughly 1 in 8 women globally, many women spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis.

For decades, one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women was defined by a feature that many women with the condition don't even have.

Think about that.

Millions of women were living with insulin resistance, weight gain, sugar cravings, hirsutism, acne, fertility challenges, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and metabolic dysfunction while the name itself directed attention toward the ovaries.

That's part of what makes this name change so significant.

It represents a growing recognition that PMOS is not simply a reproductive condition.

It is an endocrine condition.

A metabolic condition.

A whole-body condition.

Understanding the Role of Insulin Resistance in PMOS

One of the most significant developments in PMOS research is the growing recognition of insulin resistance as a central driver of the condition.

Research suggests that up to 70% of women with PMOS experience some degree of insulin resistance, regardless of body weight.

Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin. In response, the pancreas produces more insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Over time, elevated insulin levels can stimulate ovarian androgen production, increasing hormones such as testosterone.

This contributes to many of the symptoms commonly associated with PMOS, including:

  • Hirsutism
  • Acne
  • Hair thinning
  • Irregular ovulation
  • Fertility challenges
  • Irregular menstrual cycles

Viewed through this lens, many symptoms that appear unrelated on the surface begin to make sense.

The cravings are connected. The fatigue is connected. The irregular cycles are connected. The fertility challenges are connected. The hirsutism is connected.

The metabolic picture is often the thread that ties them together.

Illustration of insulin resistance and its role in PMOS hormonal and metabolic dysfunction

Common PMOS Symptoms

Common symptoms of PMOS may include:

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Ovulation challenges
  • Fertility difficulties
  • Insulin resistance
  • Weight gain
  • Difficulty losing weight
  • Sugar cravings
  • Acne
  • Hirsutism (excess facial and body hair growth)
  • Hair thinning
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Mood changes
  • Blood sugar dysregulation

Herbal Support for PMOS

One of the most fascinating aspects of PMOS is that many traditional herbs support the very systems modern research now recognizes as central to the condition.

Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, herbal medicine allows us to support blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, stress resilience, and metabolic health simultaneously.

Herbal medicine botanicals used to support PMOS symptoms including spearmint, cinnamon, ashwagandha and vitex

Supporting Blood Sugar Regulation and Insulin Sensitivity

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)

Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, Gymnema has been studied for its ability to support healthy glucose metabolism and reduce sugar cravings. For women experiencing the cycle of blood sugar instability, cravings, elevated insulin, and androgen excess that often accompanies PMOS, Gymnema addresses a point much closer to the root of the problem.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Research has demonstrated cinnamon's ability to support insulin sensitivity and healthy blood sugar regulation. It remains one of the most accessible botanicals for supporting the metabolic aspects of PMOS.

Our Crave Control Tincture combines key botanicals to support blood sugar balance, reduce cravings, and address the metabolic drivers at the root of PMOS.

Supporting Androgen Excess and Hirsutism

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Hirsutism is one of the most frustrating symptoms many women experience with PMOS. Several studies have found that regular consumption of spearmint tea may reduce free testosterone levels, making it particularly interesting for women experiencing acne, unwanted facial hair growth, and other androgen-related symptoms.

White Peony & Licorice (Paeonia lactiflora and Glycyrrhiza glabra)

This traditional pairing has been studied for its potential ability to support healthy androgen balance and menstrual regularity. Together, these herbs represent one of the most interesting areas of herbal research for women experiencing symptoms associated with androgen excess.

Supporting Hormonal Regulation

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)

Vitex is best known for its influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and its traditional use in supporting menstrual regularity and ovulation.

Supporting Stress and Endocrine Resilience

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Chronic stress and insulin resistance often reinforce one another. Ashwagandha supports a healthy stress response while promoting resilience throughout the endocrine system.

For a complete herb-by-herb guide including dosing, protocols, and how to combine botanicals effectively, see our in-depth article: Herbal Protocols for PMOS: A Botanical Guide to Hormonal & Metabolic Support. For detailed nutritional and dietary guidance, see: Understanding PCOS: Manage Symptoms with Natural Remedies & Nutritional Advice.

Lifestyle Strategies for PMOS

Herbs work best when combined with lifestyle strategies that support metabolic and hormonal health.

Key areas include:

  • Prioritizing protein and fibre at meals
  • Supporting blood sugar stability
  • Resistance training
  • Daily movement
  • Sleep optimization
  • Stress management
  • Reducing ultra-processed foods

Frequently Asked Questions About PMOS

Is PMOS the same as PCOS?

Yes. PMOS is the new name proposed for the condition previously known as PCOS. The condition itself has not changed, but the name now better reflects its hormonal, endocrine, and metabolic nature.

Why was PCOS renamed PMOS?

Experts concluded that the original name no longer accurately reflected the complexity of the condition. The recommendation followed a 14-year international collaboration involving more than 56 organizations and was published in The Lancet.

Can PMOS cause weight gain?

Yes. Insulin resistance is common in PMOS and can contribute to weight gain, increased cravings, and difficulty losing weight.

What causes hirsutism in PMOS?

Hirsutism is primarily driven by elevated androgen levels. Insulin resistance can stimulate excess androgen production, contributing to unwanted facial and body hair growth.

Is insulin resistance part of PMOS?

For many women, yes. Research suggests insulin resistance affects up to 70% of women with PMOS and is considered one of the most important underlying drivers of the condition.

When will PMOS officially replace PCOS?

A transition period is currently underway, with PMOS expected to be incorporated into the 2028 International Guideline update.

 

Back to blog

Leave a comment