PCOS (Now PMOS): Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects roughly one in eight to one in ten women of reproductive age.^1,3 It involves higher than usual levels of androgens (hormones such as testosterone), irregular ovulation, and often insulin resistance, where the body needs more insulin than normal to control blood sugar.⁴

It usually shows up in the teens or twenties, and it is lifelong, though symptoms change with age.

PCOS has a new name: PMOS

In May 2026, after a global consensus process involving patients and health professionals, PCOS was renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).²

The old name was misleading. The “cysts” seen on ultrasound are not cysts at all. They are small follicles, each holding an egg that hasn’t matured. The new name reflects what the condition actually involves: several hormone systems, metabolism and the ovaries.²

Nothing else has changed. If you were diagnosed with PCOS, you have PMOS, and the way it is diagnosed and treated is the same.⁸ The new name is being phased in, so you will see both for a while. This guide uses PCOS because that is still what most people search for.

PCOS symptoms

• Irregular periods. Cycles longer than 35 days, fewer than eight periods a year, or no periods
• Excess hair. On the face, chest, stomach or back
• Acne that continues past the teenage years or is hard to treat
• Scalp hair thinning
• Weight changes. Gaining weight easily or finding it hard to lose
• Difficulty getting pregnant, because ovulation is irregular
• Mood symptoms. Women with PCOS are more likely to have moderate or severe anxiety and depression, and that isn’t explained by weight alone⁵

Not everyone has every symptom, and you don’t need to be overweight to have PCOS.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Under the international guideline, which was led from Australia, an adult is diagnosed when at least two of these three are present and other causes have been ruled out:¹

1. Irregular or absent periods
2. Signs of high androgens, such as excess hair or acne, or high androgen levels on a blood test
3. Many small follicles on a pelvic ultrasound, or a high level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) on a blood test

If the first two are present, an ultrasound isn’t needed. For teenagers, both irregular periods and high androgens are required, and ultrasound and AMH aren’t used, because many healthy teenagers have ovaries that look polycystic.¹

Diagnosis is often slow. In a survey of more than 1,300 women, one in three waited over two years, and almost half saw three or more health professionals before being diagnosed.⁶

Long-term health

PCOS is more than a period problem. It raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol problems, sleep apnoea, and, when periods are very infrequent, thickening of the uterus lining. The guideline recommends regular checks of blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and emotional wellbeing for everyone with PCOS, whatever their weight.^1,4

PCOS treatment

There is no cure, but each part of the condition can be treated. What you need depends on which symptoms bother you and whether you want to become pregnant.

• Healthy eating and regular activity. Recommended for everyone with PCOS. No single diet has been shown to be better than another. A Cochrane review found lifestyle changes may improve androgen levels and weight, though the studies were low quality^1,7
• Hormonal contraception. Used to regulate periods, protect the uterus lining and reduce excess hair and acne¹
• Medicines that improve how the body uses insulin. Used for metabolic health, particularly in women at higher risk of diabetes¹
• Fertility treatment. Medicines that trigger ovulation help most women with PCOS who are having trouble conceiving¹
• Skin and hair treatments. Hair removal and acne treatments, alongside hormonal options
• Mental health support. Screening for anxiety and depression is part of standard PCOS care^1,5

When to see a doctor

• Fewer than eight periods a year, or cycles regularly longer than 35 days
• New or worsening excess hair, acne or scalp hair loss
• Trying to conceive for 12 months without success, or six months if you are over 35
• Low mood, anxiety or distress about your body or eating

Jean Hailes and the Better Health Channel both have detailed, free information on living with PCOS.^9,10

References

1. Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, et al. Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol. 2023;189(2):G43-G64.
2. Teede HJ, Khomami MB, Morman R, et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;407(10545):2329-2339.
3. Bozdag G, Mumusoglu S, Zengin D, et al. The prevalence and phenotypic features of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod. 2016;31(12):2841-2855.
4. Joham AE, Norman RJ, Stener-Victorin E, et al. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022;10(9):668-680.
5. Cooney LG, Lee I, Sammel MD, et al. High prevalence of moderate and severe depressive and anxiety symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod. 2017;32(5):1075-1091.
6. Gibson-Helm M, Teede H, Dunaif A, et al. Delayed Diagnosis and a Lack of Information Associated With Dissatisfaction in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102(2):604-612.
7. Lim SS, Hutchison SK, Van Ryswyk E, et al. Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;3(3):CD007506.
8. healthdirect. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
9. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. PMOS (formerly PCOS).
10. Better Health Channel (Victorian Government). Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).