Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a hormone imbalance that can affect ovulation. It used to be called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PMOS can cause problems with your periods and make it hard to get pregnant. PMOS may also cause other symptoms, such as weight gain, acne, or hair growth on the face or body. If it isn't treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Those with PMOS may grow many small cysts on their ovaries. When this happens, the ovaries are called polycystic ovaries.

Symptoms of PMOS tend to start gradually. You may have only a few symptoms or a lot of them. Symptoms may include:

• Acne and oily skin.
• Weight gain and trouble losing weight.
• Extra hair on the face and body. You may get thicker, darker facial hair and more hair on your chest, belly, and back.
• Thinning hair on the scalp.
• Irregular periods. Often those with PMOS have fewer than nine periods a year. Some have no periods. Others have heavy bleeding.
• Fertility problems. You may have trouble getting pregnant.
• Depression.
• Insulin resistance and too much insulin. They can cause things like upper body obesity and skin tags.
• Breathing problems while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea). This is linked to both obesity and insulin resistance.

Hormone changes that lead to PMOS often start in the early teens, after the first menstrual period. Symptoms may be more noticeable after a weight gain.

No single test can show that you have PMOS. To diagnose PMOS, the doctor will:

• Ask questions about your past health, symptoms, and menstrual cycles.
• Do a physical exam to look for signs of PMOS, such as extra body hair and high blood pressure. This may include a pelvic exam. The doctor will also check your height and weight to see if you have a healthy body mass index (BMI).
• Do a number of lab tests to check your blood sugar, insulin, and other hormone levels. Hormone tests can help rule out thyroid or other gland problems that could cause similar symptoms.

You may also have a pelvic ultrasound to look for cysts on your ovaries. Your doctor may be able to tell that you have PMOS without an ultrasound, but this test will help rule out other problems. Your doctor may do other tests to check for problems caused by PMOS.

Choose healthy foods and get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you're overweight, losing weight can help with many of the symptoms of PMOS. Take medicines exactly as prescribed. If you are feeling sad or depressed, talking to your doctor, a counselor, or others who have PMOS may help.