At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our endocrinology and gynaecology specialists provide expert assessment and PMOS treatment for people experiencing hormonal, metabolic or reproductive symptoms. Your consultant will first take time to understand your symptoms and health history before recommending appropriate blood tests, imaging or other investigations. Mayo Clinic Healthcare offers specialist endocrine care and advanced diagnostic testing in London.
Because PMOS can affect several aspects of your health, assessment may involve both endocrinology and gynaecology. This coordinated approach helps your care team develop a personalised plan based on your symptoms, metabolic health, menstrual cycle and future fertility goals.
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect periods, ovulation, skin and hair, fertility, weight and emotional wellbeing. It was previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The new name reflects the fact that the condition involves more than the ovaries. Despite the former name, you do not need to have ovarian cysts to have PMOS. The condition can involve changes in androgen hormones, ovulation and the way the body responds to insulin.
PMOS can affect people with ovaries, and symptoms commonly begin around puberty or during the reproductive years. Symptoms and their severity vary considerably from person to person.
Symptoms of PMOS vary. Some people have only mild changes, while others experience symptoms that affect their physical health, fertility or emotional wellbeing.
Symptoms may include:
These symptoms can also occur for other reasons, so having one or more does not necessarily mean you have PMOS. Specialist assessment can help establish the cause.
Consider arranging a medical assessment if your periods are consistently irregular, you develop unwanted facial or body hair or persistent acne, or you are having difficulty becoming pregnant. You should also speak to a clinician if symptoms are affecting your everyday life and/or your emotional wellbeing.
Diagnosis is important because PMOS is associated with longer-term health risks, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Regular assessment can help identify and manage these risks.
If you are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, speak to your care team about your PMOS. PMOS is associated with a higher risk of some pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Your care team can explain whether you may need additional monitoring.
The exact cause of PMOS is not fully understood. It is a complex condition involving hormonal and metabolic factors. There is a genetic susceptibility linked to the genes that are associated with an increased predisposition to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Factors associated with PMOS include:
Body weight, particularly if centrally distributed, can influence metabolic symptoms in some people, but PMOS can affect people across a range of body sizes. Assessment should therefore consider your overall health and symptoms rather than weight alone.
There is no single PMOS diagnosis test. At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, your assessment will begin with a consultation with a consultant in our endocrinology department.
Your consultant may ask about your periods, symptoms, medicines, family history, weight changes and pregnancy plans before deciding which tests are appropriate.
In adults, PMOS is generally diagnosed when other possible causes have been excluded and at least two of the following are present:
If you already have irregular menstrual cycles and evidence of excess androgen activity, an ovarian ultrasound or AMH test may not be necessary to establish the diagnosis.
Assessment in adolescents follows different criteria, and ultrasound and AMH are not recommended for diagnosing PMOS in this age group.
Depending on your symptoms and clinical history, your consultant may recommend:
Your consultant may also request tests to rule out other hormonal conditions that can produce similar symptoms. PMOS diagnosis is based on the overall clinical picture rather than the result of any single investigation.
There is currently no cure for PMOS, but PMOS treatment can help manage symptoms, support reproductive health and reduce longer-term health risks. Your treatment plan will depend on which symptoms matter most to you, your metabolic health and whether you are planning a pregnancy.
Treatment may include:
At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, treatment is personalised rather than based on a single standard approach. Your consultant will discuss the benefits and limitations of appropriate options with you and adjust your care as your symptoms, health priorities or circumstances change.
PMOS can involve reproductive, hormonal, metabolic and emotional health. Mayo Clinic Healthcare brings together specialist expertise so these different aspects of your health can be considered as part of one coordinated assessment. These may be either from departments here or through our partner clinic in the US.
At our central London clinic, you can benefit from:
Yes. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The new name was announced in May 2026 to better reflect the condition's hormonal, metabolic and reproductive effects. The change is being introduced internationally over a transition period.
Yes. Ovarian cysts are not required for a diagnosis of PMOS. In adults who have irregular menstrual cycles and signs of increased androgen activity, ultrasound may not be needed to make the diagnosis.
There is currently no cure for PMOS, but treatment can help control symptoms and reduce associated health risks. Your treatment can be adapted over time as your health, symptoms and priorities change.
Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.
If you are experiencing symptoms of PMOS, have questions about an existing diagnosis or would like to discuss PMOS treatment, our endocrinology and gynaecology specialists can provide a personalised assessment in central London.
Request an appointment with Mayo Clinic Healthcare or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575.
Medically Reviewed by
Dr Vanderpump, Consultant Endocrinologist