PCOS – PMOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect menstrual cycles, skin, hair growth, fertility, weight, blood sugar levels, and long-term health. It’s also being called PMOS — Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome — since it impacts more than just the ovaries, though most people still recognize it as PCOS.
The condition can look different for everyone: some may have irregular periods and acne, while others might deal with weight changes, excess facial or body hair, trouble getting pregnant, or signs of insulin resistance.
There’s no single cure, but symptoms can often be managed with lifestyle adjustments, medical care, and, when needed, medication.
What Is PCOS?
PCOS is a condition tied to an imbalance in reproductive and metabolic hormones. In many cases, the ovaries make more androgens—often called “male-type” hormones—though everyone naturally has some. Extra androgens can mess with ovulation, leading to irregular periods, trouble getting pregnant, acne, extra hair growth, or thinning hair on the scalp.
Despite the name “polycystic ovary syndrome,” not everyone with PCOS has ovarian cysts. The newer term PMOS was introduced to better show that it’s a whole-body endocrine and metabolic condition, not just a problem with cysts.
What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to play a role.
1. Insulin Resistance
Many people with PCOS deal with insulin resistance, which means the body struggles to use insulin properly and may make extra to keep blood sugar in check. Those higher insulin levels can prompt the ovaries to produce more androgens, which can make symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth worse.
2. Hormone Imbalance
PCOS is closely tied to higher androgen levels and irregular ovulation. When ovulation doesn’t occur regularly, periods can become unpredictable, infrequent, or even stop altogether.
3. Family History
PCOS can run in families, suggesting that genes may influence a person’s risk. However, there is no single known gene that causes PCOS.
4. Weight and Metabolic Health
PCOS can affect people of all body types. While excess body fat might worsen insulin resistance for some, making symptoms more noticeable, weight isn’t the only factor. PCOS should never be brushed off as just a weight issue.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS symptoms can differ from person to person, and not everyone will have them all. Some of the most common signs are:
- Irregular, infrequent or absent periods
- Difficulty becoming pregnant due to irregular ovulation
- Acne or oily skin
- Excess facial or body hair, often on the chin, upper lip, chest, stomach or back
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Weight gain or difficulty managing weight
- Darker, velvety skin patches, often around the neck, underarms or groin
- Low mood, anxiety or reduced confidence linked to symptoms
- Tiredness or energy crashes, especially where blood sugar control is affected
PCOS is a common reason for irregular periods and anovulation, which means ovulation doesn’t happen regularly. It’s also a frequent cause of infertility linked to ovulation issues.
How PCOS Can Affect General Health
PCOS is not only a reproductive condition. It can also affect wider health and wellbeing.
People with PCOS may have a higher risk of:
- Insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol or unhealthy blood fat levels
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular risk factors
- Sleep apnoea
- Fatty liver disease
- Fertility difficulties
- Pregnancy complications
- Endometrial thickening, especially when periods are very infrequent
- Anxiety, depression or body image distress
The 2023 international PCOS guideline highlights that PCOS can involve metabolic, cardiovascular, reproductive, psychological and quality-of-life impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS
Can PCOS be cured?
There is currently no single cure for PCOS, but symptoms can often be managed with lifestyle changes, medical treatment and regular health monitoring.
Is PCOS only about ovarian cysts?
No, many people with PCOS don’t actually have ovarian cysts. It’s more accurately seen as a hormonal and metabolic condition that can impact the whole body. That’s why the newer term PMOS has been introduced.
Can diet reverse PCOS?
Diet cannot guarantee that PCOS will be reversed, but eating in a way that supports blood sugar balance, insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health may help reduce symptoms for some people.
What is the best diet for PCOS?
There is no single best diet for everyone with PCOS. A balanced pattern rich in vegetables, protein, fibre-rich carbohydrates and healthy fats is a good starting point. The best diet is one that supports health and can be maintained long term.
Should people with PCOS avoid carbohydrates?
Not necessarily. Many people with PCOS find they do better by opting for higher-fiber carbohydrates and pairing them with protein and healthy fats, rather than cutting out carbohydrates entirely.
Can PCOS affect fertility?
Yes, PCOS can impact ovulation, making it more challenging to get pregnant. Still, many people with PCOS are able to conceive, whether naturally or with the help of medical treatments.
Final Note
PCOS is a common yet complex condition that can impact hormones, metabolism, skin, periods, fertility, and emotional well-being. Making thoughtful food and lifestyle choices can really help, especially when they emphasize balancing blood sugar, getting enough fiber, protein, and healthy fats, and focusing on long-term sustainability.
This information is for general education only and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Next: Can Food Help With PCOS – PCOD? ⇒
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I suffer with PCOS and have been prescribed metformin.
For years I thought my symptoms were normal but were actually PCOS – extreme cravings, unable to regulate body temp, fatigue, brain fog, constant bloat, mood swings, hairy arms, feeling too hot, waking up extremely tired. I put so much effort at the gym and did not see any results. I felt so unheard by medical professionals until I started researching myself and coming across websites like this.
I have given birth to two children both of which I had gestational diabetes. There is a link with this and PCOS. I have since had a hormone blood test which reveals PCOS, high androgens and insulin resistance. After lots of research I have found that the thing that works most for my symptoms is what I eat. Iv tried all the vitamins, B6, omega 3, lions mane, magnesium, inisotol and have not had any significant difference.
When I eat well I feel my best. My energy is higher, my concentration is better and my bloating is better.
Its good to see the recognition of PCOS on this website.