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PMOS AND FERTILITY

PMOS, until recently known as PCOS, is one of the most common reasons conception can take longer, and it's something we help people navigate every day. It can make ovulation less predictable, but with the right diagnosis and treatment shaped around you, many people with PMOS go on to have healthy pregnancies. Here's what to know, and how we can help.

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What is Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)?

PMOS is a common hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect how the ovaries work. You may still hear it called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), especially during the transition to the new name.

PMOS can cause irregular or absent periods, higher levels of androgens, sometimes called “male-type” hormones, and changes in the ovaries seen on ultrasound. These changes can make ovulation less regular, which can make it harder to get pregnant.

Many people with PMOS do go on to have healthy pregnancies, either naturally or with fertility support. The right next step depends on your symptoms, your test results, and what you want for your future.

Why has PCOS been renamed PMOS?

PCOS has been renamed PMOS because the old name did not fully reflect the condition. For a long time, the word “polycystic” led people to think the condition was mainly about ovarian cysts. We now understand it as a wider endocrine and metabolic condition, with effects across the body.

The new name recognises that PMOS can affect hormones, metabolism, skin, weight, mental health, and the reproductive system.

You do not need to seek a new diagnosis just because the name has changed. If you have already been diagnosed with PCOS, this will now be understood as PMOS. During the transition period, you may see both names used by clinics, GPs, hospitals, and patient resources.

 

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Get your PMOS guide

PMOS can feel like a lot to take in, especially when you're working out what it means for your fertility. Our guide brings the essentials together in one clear, supportive place, so you can make sense of things in your own time. 

What's inside:
Clear, expert information on your symptoms, how PMOS is diagnosed, the treatment options open to you, and how it can affect conception. 

Download the guide

 Free PDF, no sign-up needed. 

Stephanie’s story: PMOS and the path to parenthood

Everyone's experience of PMOS is different, and there's no single path through it. Often the most reassuring thing is simply hearing from someone who has been where you are now.

In this video, Stephanie, a former patient at Care Fertility Birmingham, talks openly about living with PMOS and the years she spent trying to conceive. She's honest about the difficult moments, the disappointment that came with each setback, and how she kept going. She also shares what treatment was actually like, and the support around her that made a difference.

Her story is a hopeful one. After IVF at our Birmingham clinic, Stephanie went on to grow her family. However your own journey looks, hearing how someone else found their way through can make the road ahead feel a little clearer.

 

Diagnosing PMOS

Diagnosing PMOS involves evaluating a combination of symptoms, test results, and physical examinations. To make a diagnosis, medical professionals use the Rotterdam Criteria, which require meeting at least two of the following three conditions:
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Irregular or absent periods

 Infrequent, unpredictable, or absent periods can be a sign that ovulation isn't happening regularly. It's one of the most common signs of PMOS, and often the reason people first seek advice.

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Excess androgen levels

Androgens, sometimes called male hormones, are present in everyone but can be raised in PMOS. Higher levels can bring excess hair growth, acne, and thinning hair, which a blood test can confirm. 

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Polycystic ovaries (seen on ultrasound)

An ultrasound may show ovaries with many small follicles, sometimes called cysts. These are immature eggs that haven't been released, a sign of the hormone imbalance behind PMOS, not harmful cysts. 

What to expect during a PMOS diagnosis

If you suspect you have PMOS, your journey to diagnosis will involve a series of steps designed to assess your symptoms, rule out other conditions, and determine the best care plan for you. Here’s what you can expect: 
Medical history review

Your doctor will ask about:

  • Menstrual cycle patterns: whether your periods are irregular, infrequent, or absent.
  • Symptoms: such as acne, excess hair growth, or changes to your skin.
  • Family history: any relatives with PMOS, diabetes, or related conditions.
Physical examination

Your doctor may check for visible signs, including:

  • Hirsutism: excess hair growth on the face, chest, or abdomen.
  • Acne or oily skin: which can be linked to higher androgen levels.
  • Skin changes: such as darker patches that can appear with PMOS.
Blood and hormone tests

Blood tests help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes:

  • Androgens: testosterone and other hormones that can be raised in PMOS.
  • Reproductive hormones: luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
  • Glucose and insulin: to check for insulin resistance and diabetes risk.
Ultrasound examination

A transvaginal ultrasound scan may be used to:

  • Ovarian appearance: checking for many small follicles, sometimes called cysts.
  • Ovary size: measuring whether the ovaries are enlarged.
  • Womb lining: assessing the thickness of the lining of your womb.

Why an accurate diagnosis matters

Identifying PCOS early helps tailor treatments and manage symptoms effectively, improving overall well-being and increasing the chances of conception. If you experience any of these symptoms, our expert team can provide a detailed assessment and guide you toward the best course of action.

Would you like help understanding your symptoms or arranging an initial consultation? We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Living with PMOS can be challenging, but you are not alone. At Care Fertility, we’re here to guide you with personalised care, advanced treatments, and unwavering support. Together, we can navigate your unique journey and help you take positive steps toward your health and fertility goals.

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Dr Alison Richardson, Deputy Group Medical Director

Getting pregnant with PMOS

PMOS can affect ovulation, making it more challenging to conceive. However, with the right fertility treatments and support, many individuals with PMOS achieve successful pregnancies.

Lifestyle Modifications

Before starting treatment, making small changes can improve fertility outcomes:

  • Healthy Eating: A balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins can regulate hormones.
  • Weight Management: Losing even 5-10% of body weight can restore ovulation in some individuals.
  • Regular Exercise: Helps manage insulin resistance and supports overall reproductive health.
Ovulation Induction

If ovulation is irregular or absent, medications can help stimulate it:

  • Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole: These are often the first line of treatment, encouraging your ovaries to release an egg.
  • Gonadotropins: Hormone injections may be recommended if oral medications aren’t effective.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

IVF is an excellent option if other treatments haven’t been successful:

  • Ovarian Stimulation: Medications encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
  • Egg Retrieval and Fertilisation: Eggs are collected and fertilised in a laboratory before being transferred to the uterus.
  • Personalised Protocols: At Care Fertility, we adapt treatment to your needs, reducing the risk of complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Learn more about IVF
Managing Insulin Resistance

For those with insulin resistance, medications like metformin may be prescribed. This can improve ovulation and make other treatments more effective.

Contact us form

If you’re ready to get started, you can reach us today on 0800 564 2270, book a call back at a time that suits you or complete the form below for one of our friendly enquiry team to reach out to you.