PCOS becomes PMOS
This month, I wanted to share news from the medical world that I know impacts many of my clients. On May 12, a landmark global consensus study was published in The Lancet, renaming Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). This effort took over 10 years, involved 56 medical, academic, and patient advocacy organizations, and surveyed over 14,000 patients with PCOS as well as clinicians and researchers worldwide.
PCOS/PMOS affects 1 in 8 women (170+ million)— it is a COMMON condition diagnosed by the Rotterdam Criteria, the presence of at least 2 of 3 symptoms:
Ovulatory dysfunction (irregular or absent menstrual cycles)
Hyperandrogenism (jawline acne/hair loss on scalp clinically, high T or other androgens on bloodwork)
Polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound (high follicle count)
A rose by any other name ... etc but in this case, the name change is significant because it reflects the broader issues of misdiagnosis and delayed research in women’s health.
PCOS is strongly linked to metabolic dysfunction. It is associated with insulin resistance, so the emphasis on ovarian health in its name creates the idea of it being primarily a sex-hormone issue — when in fact it is spans the endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian.
The reason so many people with PCOS seek naturopathic care is because we understand this full picture, and also that this presents differently in everyone. An individualized approach to a patient’s specific presentation is really important! Some clients are insulin resistant, have dysglycemia, liver disease, inflammation. Others have acne, hair loss, oily skin. Many are concerned about fertility as their cycles are irregular. Others are plagued with fatigue, anxiety, depression. PCOS has multisystem health impacts. The single most common “treatment” in conventional medicine is birth control pills, which mask ovulatory dysfunction (stopping it altogether, actually) and don’t directly address metabolic health or many of the other symptoms people struggle with.
Historically, medical research has underfunded and underprioritized conditions affecting women. This recognition of a metabolic component in such a HUGE group of women creates space for more conversations about things like blood sugar regulation, stress + sleep, inflammation, environmental exposures and endocrine disruptors, proper exercise, nutrition and processed foods, and chronic nervous system dysregulation — how do these factors shape women’s health? And does PMOS mirror the broader metabolic health crisis in America?
A naturopathic approach helps restore communication within the body. It may include nutrition therapy, strength training, sleep restoration, targeted supplementation, and herbal or energetic inputs. Gut flora mediates metabolic and hormonal processes, so I believe that addressing GI dysfunction or dysbiosis is another important aspect of care. For some patients, medication through their primary care doctor may be a helpful and important tool too.
I know there is a lot to unpack here— if any of the above resonates with you, it’s a great time to schedule an appointment.
Take care!