PMOS: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Explained

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a frequent hormone-related disease. It causes irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and infertility. The treatment for PMOS is determined on whether or not you want to become pregnant. People with PMOS may be more susceptible to certain health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a hormonal imbalance caused by excess hormone production in the ovaries (the organ responsible for egg production and release). If you have PMOS, your ovaries create unusually high levels of hormones known as androgens. This imbalances your reproductive hormones. As a result, individuals with PMOS frequently experience irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unexpected ovulation. Small follicular cysts (fluid-filled sacs containing immature eggs) may be evident on your ovaries during an ultrasound due to a lack of ovulation (anovulation). However, PMOS does not need the presence of ovarian cysts.

PMOS is among the most common causes of female infertility. It may also increase your risk of developing other health issues. Your healthcare provider can treat PMOS based on your symptoms and whether you want to become pregnant.

PMOS can occur in females at any moment following puberty. Most people are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s while attempting to conceive. You may be more likely to develop PMOS if you are obese or if other members of your biological family have the condition.

The most prevalent indications and symptoms of PMOS are:

Irregular periods: Abnormal menstruation refers to missing or not having a period at all. It may also cause severe bleeding during periods.

Abnormal hair development: You may develop extra facial hair or have heavy hair growth on your arms, chest, and belly (hirsutism). This affects up to 70% of those with PMOS.

Acne: PMOS can lead to acne, particularly on the back, chest, and face. This acne may last into your teenage years and be tough to treat.

Obesity: Between 40% and 80% of persons with PMOS are obese, and they struggle to maintain a healthy weight.

Darkening of the skin: You may develop dark patches of skin, particularly in the neck folds, armpits, groin (between the legs), and under the breasts. This is called acanthosis nigricans.

Cysts: On ultrasonography, many people with PMOS have enlarged ovaries or a significant number of follicles.

Skin tags are little flaps of excess skin. They are commonly located in your armpits or on your neck.

Thinning hair: People with PMOS may lose patches of hair on their heads or go bald.

Infertility: PMOS is the leading cause of female infertility. Failure to ovulate on a regular or frequent basis might lead to infertility.

Yes, it is possible to develop PMOS without any symptoms. Many people are unaware they have the illness until they are unable to conceive or gain weight for no apparent cause. It is also possible to have mild PMOS, which means that the symptoms are not severe enough to be noticeable.

The specific cause of PMOS remains unknown. There is evidence that heredity plays a role. Several other factors, most notably obesity, have a role in triggering PMOS.

High amounts of androgens hinder your ovaries from producing eggs, resulting in irregular menstruation cycles. Irregular ovulation can also cause tiny, fluid-filled sacs to form on the ovaries. High androgen levels also induce acne and excessive hair growth in women.

Insulin resistance: An increase in insulin levels causes your ovaries to produce and release male hormones (androgens). Increased male hormone levels restrict ovulation and contribute to PMOS symptoms. Insulin assists your body in processing glucose (sugar) and utilizing it for energy. Insulin resistance occurs when your body does not properly process insulin, resulting in excessive glucose levels in your blood. Insulin resistance does not always result in high blood glucose levels or diabetes, but it can. Being overweight or obese might also lead to insulin resistance. Even if your blood glucose is normal, high insulin levels can indicate insulin resistance.

Low-grade inflammation: People with PMOS frequently experience chronic low-grade inflammation. Your doctor can run blood tests to detect levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells, which can indicate the extent of inflammation in your body.

PMOS may raise your risk of some pregnancy issues, although the majority of people with PMOS can successfully carry a pregnancy. Other PMOS pregnancy problems include an increased risk of:

Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and hypertension.

Obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure can cause preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a C-section.

Diagnoses and Tests

In most circumstances, your healthcare provider can diagnose PMOS after examining you and discussing your symptoms. They may prescribe blood tests or do an ultrasound to aid in the diagnosis.

The healthcare provider will:

Talk to me about your symptoms and medical history.

Learn about your biological family's medical history.

Measure your weight and blood pressure.

Conduct a physical examination, checking for extra facial hair, hair loss, acne, discolored skin, and skin tags.

Examine your pelvis for any possible sources of irregular bleeding.

Order blood tests to monitor hormone and glucose levels.

Perform a pelvic ultrasound to examine your ovaries, measure the thickness of your uterine lining, and look for other causes of irregular bleeding.

Typically, healthcare experts diagnose PMOS if you have at least two of the following symptoms:

Irregular or missed menstruation. When some persons with PMOS get a period, they have unusually severe bleeding.

Acne and excessive hair growth are both signs of excess androgens. Or a blood test to confirm elevated androgen levels.

Ultrasound images show enlarged or polycystic ovaries. Many people do not develop cysts.

Management & Treatment

Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment depending on your symptoms, medical history, and other health concerns, as well as your desire to become pregnant. Medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of the two are all options for treatment.

If you do not intend to become pregnant, treatments include:

Hormonal birth control options include tablets, patches, shots, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Hormonal birth control regulates your menstrual cycle; certain types also treat acne and unwanted hair growth.

Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing medication, is prescribed to treat diabetes. It helps your body process insulin. Some persons with PMOS report that once their insulin levels are under control, their menstrual cycles improve.

Some drugs can block the effects of androgens. This helps to control acne and hair development. Consult your healthcare physician to determine whether such treatment is appropriate for you.

Lifestyle changes: Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy body weight can help regulate insulin levels.

If you wish to get pregnant now or in the future, treatment for PMOS includes:

Drugs that induce ovulation (egg release): Ovulation is the first step toward a successful pregnancy. Certain medicines have been shown to trigger ovulation in persons with PMOS. Clomiphene and letrozole are taken orally, whereas gonadotropins are administered by injection.

Surgery can help restore ovulation by removing androgen-producing tissue from your ovaries. With newer drugs available, surgeons are less likely to conduct this surgery.

When medicine fails to induce ovulation, persons with PMOS may consider in vitro fertilization (IVF). Your egg is fertilized in a lab with your partner's sperm before being transferred to your uterus.

While there is no cure for PMOS, your doctor can help you manage your symptoms. The affects of PMOS may change over time, making you less conscious of the disease. However, no medication exists that will permanently cure it.

PMOS symptoms are frequently resolved as a result of hormonal changes after menopause. Talk to your healthcare professional if your symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, regardless of your age.

Yes, you can get pregnant if you have PMOS. PMOS can make it difficult to conceive while also increasing your risk of certain pregnancy issues, but many people with PMOS become pregnant on their own. Your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan to help you ovulate. Your treatment approach may involve medicine or assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Consult with your healthcare professional to ensure that you understand your treatment plan and how you can improve your chances of a safe pregnancy.

Outlook / Prognosis

According to research, PMOS may increase your risk for a number of health issues, including:

Diabetes.

High blood pressure.

Cardiovascular illness.

endometrial hyperplasia.

Endometrial carcinoma.

Sleep issues include sleep apnea.

Depression and anxiety.

Consult your healthcare physician to ensure you understand your risk of having these disorders.

Prevention

There is no established method for preventing PMOS, but you can take tiny actions to alleviate symptoms. Eating good foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy body weight can all help you avoid the consequences of PMOS.

Living together

One of the most effective approaches to deal with PMOS is to keep a healthy body weight, eat nutritious foods, and exercise frequently. These lifestyle changes can have an impact on hormone levels, which can help regulate your menstrual cycle and alleviate symptoms.

If excessive hair growth or acne are affecting your confidence, cosmetic treatments or consultation with a dermatologist may be beneficial.

Finally, if you are attempting to conceive but have PMOS, know that you are not alone. Almost one out of every ten people has PMOS. If you wish to become pregnant, your healthcare provider will work with you to get there.

If you feel you have PMOS, get medical attention. Some indications that may hint to PMOS are:

An irregular menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycles are frequently protracted (more than 40 days between periods).

Excessive hair growth, acne, and other symptoms of high androgen levels.

Difficulty becoming pregnant.

PMOS might disrupt your menstrual cycle and create a variety of additional symptoms. Consult a healthcare provider if you feel you have PMOS. If you want to become pregnant, lifestyle adjustments and medication treatments can help you manage symptoms, lower health risks, and support your fertility.