17/07/2026
What Is PCOS or Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)?
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) — formerly known as polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS) — is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when the ovaries (the organ that produces and releases eggs) produce unusually high levels of hormones called androgens. This causes the female reproductive hormones to become imbalanced. As a
result, women with PMOS often have irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods and unpredictable ovulation. Small cysts (fluid-filled sacs with immature eggs) may be visible on the ovaries on ultrasound due to lack of ovulation (anovulation).
What is the main cause of PMOS?
The exact cause of PMOS is unknown. There’s evidence that genetics play a role. Several other factors, most importantly obesity, also play a role in causing PMOS:
• Higher levels of androgens: High androgen levels prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs, which causes irregular menstrual cycles.
• Insulin resistance: An increase in insulin levels causes the ovaries to make and release male hormones (androgens). Increased male hormones suppress ovulation and contribute to other symptoms of PMOS.
• Low-grade inflammation: Women with PMOS tend to have chronic low-grade inflammation.
What are the signs of PMOS?
The most common signs and symptoms of PMOS include:
• Irregular periods: Abnormal menstruation involves missing periods or not having a period at all. It may also involve heavy bleeding during periods.
• Abnormal hair growth: Excess facial hair or experience heavy hair growth on your arms, chest and abdomen (hirsutism).
• Acne: PMOS can cause acne, especially on the back, chest and face. This acne may continue past your teenage years and may be difficult to treat.
• Obesity: Women with PMOS have obesity and have trouble maintaining a weight that’s healthy for them.
• Darkening of the skin: You may get patches of dark skin, especially in the folds of your neck, armpits, groin, and under your breasts. This is known as acanthosis nigricans.
• Cysts: Many women with PMOS have ovaries that appear larger or with many cysts on ultrasound.
• Skin tags: Skin tags are little flaps of extra skin. They’re often found in your armpits or on your neck.
• Thinning hair: Women with PMOS may lose patches of hair on their head or start to bald.
• Infertility: PMOS is the most common cause of female infertility. Not ovulating regularly or frequently can result in not being able to conceive.
How is polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome diagnosed?
In most cases, your doctor will diagnose PMOS on the basis of -
• Your symptoms and medical history
• Perform a physical exam, looking specifically for excess facial hair, hair loss, acne,
discolored skin and skin tags.
• Order blood tests to check hormone levels and glucose levels.
• Perform a pelvic ultrasound to look at your ovaries, check the thickness of your
uterine lining and look for other causes of abnormal bleeding.
How is PMOS treated?
Conventional treatment includes -
• Hormonal birth control
• Insulin-sensitizing medicine
• Medications to block androgens
• Lifestyle changes: Eating a nutritious diet and maintaining a body weight that’s healthy
for you can have a positive effect on insulin levels.
• Drugs to induce ovulation (releasing an egg)
• Surgery: A surgical procedure can help restore ovulation by removing tissue in your
ovaries that produces androgen hormones.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): This is an option for women with PMOS when medication
doesn’t help with ovulation.
Homeopathic management includes -
• Stabilizing the hormones so that ovulation occurs and menstrual cycles regularize
• Lifestyle modifications to maintain healthy body weight and glucose levels
• Holistic treatment of all other symptoms - acne, hair thinning, body hair growth, mood
swings etc
• Resolution of cysts and preventing recurrence
• Conceiving naturally
• Overall holistic health and wellness
Mehta-Butala