PCOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome): symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

The NHS says symptoms usually start in girls and young women under 18, at puberty, and continue until the menopause, after which some symptoms stop or change. Symptoms can be mild or severe, or you may have none at all. It can affect anyone who has ovaries.

The NHS describes polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) as a hormone condition that used to be called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Verity, the UK PCOS charity, says the name was changed on 12 May 2026 after decades of work by patients and professionals, and that there is a three-year transition when both names will be used.

NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries describes the condition by three features: hyperandrogenism (with clinical features such as acne and excess hair), ovulation disorder (usually infrequent or no periods) and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. Verity points out that PCOS is often associated only with fertility and weight, but is a serious endocrine condition.

The NHS says there is no cure, but there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can help symptoms. Treatment depends on which symptoms are troubling you most and whether you want to get pregnant.

The NHS suggests that if you have PMOS you eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise regularly and try to lose weight if you are overweight. It points to NHS Better Health for free tools to lose weight and get active. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries lists screening for cardiovascular risk factors and advising on healthy lifestyle measures, with weight loss advised where appropriate.

The sources read for this guide do not recommend a specific PCOS diet. Verity warns of a lot of misinformation on social media about PMOS and urges people to look to evidence-based resources such as NICE and the international guidelines.

The NHS says that if a GP thinks you have PMOS they may arrange tests with a gynaecologist or endocrinologist. Tests include blood tests to check hormone levels and insulin resistance, and an ultrasound scan of the ovaries, which will only be done if you are over 18.

NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries says that in adults PCOS should be diagnosed if two of the following are present, once other causes have been excluded: clinical or biochemical signs of excess androgens, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Ultrasound should not be used for diagnosis in adolescents, because multi-follicular ovaries are common at that life stage, and tighter criteria are used.

The NHS says the cause is unknown but may be to do with hormones such as insulin and testosterone not working properly. You may be more likely to have it if a close relative has it or you are from an Asian background. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries says it is likely to be multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental factors.

The NHS says PMOS can sometimes cause problems getting pregnant, usually because the ovaries do not release an egg each month. Clomifene may help, and laparoscopic ovarian drilling, which uses heat or laser to remove tissue on the ovaries, can sometimes increase the chance of pregnancy.

NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries lists infertility and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes among the complications of PCOS. Verity says it carries increased risks during pregnancy. If you have PMOS and are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to your GP or midwife.

The NHS says PMOS can sometimes increase the risk of serious conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and womb (uterus) cancer, and that you can reduce the risk through regular check-ups. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries adds obstructive sleep apnoea and anxiety and depression.

The NHS says to see a GP if you think you might have PMOS or if symptoms are affecting your everyday life, work and relationships. It notes that some symptoms are common and can have many causes, so having them does not definitely mean you have it, but it is important to get them checked.

On the NHS, a GP may arrange blood tests and an ultrasound, start treatment for symptoms and refer to a gynaecologist or endocrinologist when needed. Private gynaecology, endocrinology and dietetic appointments are also available to people who choose to pay or have insurance. Because PMOS is a long-term condition affecting several body systems, ask how check-ups for diabetes and blood pressure will be arranged.