PCOS, now called PMOS: symptoms, diagnosis and care

Why has the name changed?

In May 2026, an international consensus process introduced PMOS as the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The name recognises effects beyond the ovaries, including hormones and the way the body processes energy. You may still see PCOS in medical records, research and information written before the change.

These names refer to the same condition. The change does not mean that someone with an existing PCOS diagnosis has developed a new illness. Monash University explains the name change.

What symptoms might I notice?

Possible features include irregular or absent periods, acne, increased facial or body hair, thinning scalp hair, and difficulty becoming pregnant. Some people have several concerns; others notice few symptoms. Experiences can change over time.

PMOS can also affect emotional wellbeing. Concerns about skin, hair, periods or fertility deserve attention in their own right. Having these symptoms does not prove you have PMOS: other conditions can cause similar changes. WHO's overview describes its varied effects using the earlier PCOS name.

How can telehealth help?

A telehealth GP can discuss your periods, skin or hair changes, medicines, previous results and pregnancy plans. Together, you can identify the concerns you want help with first. The doctor can then recommend appropriate tests, an in-person assessment or suitable treatment, depending on your symptoms and what is already known about your health.

Where clinically appropriate, your HerDoc GP can order pathology tests or refer you for diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound. You attend a local pathology collection centre or imaging provider, then have a follow-up appointment with HerDoc to review the results and discuss next steps. Ultrasound is not required for every adult assessment and is not recommended for diagnosing PMOS in teenagers. The sections below explain how assessment differs.

A follow-up telehealth appointment can cover results, the diagnosis or remaining uncertainty, and a care plan. Your GP can prescribe when clinically appropriate, review treatment and side effects, and arrange specialist referral if needed. Ongoing appointments can also cover cycle changes, emotional wellbeing and longer-term health checks.

Physical examinations and measurements such as blood pressure may need a local appointment. Your doctor can discuss how to arrange these when needed; an examination is not a prerequisite for every telehealth appointment. The Australian Digital Health Agency explains telehealth and follow-up care.

How is it diagnosed in adults?

Assessment combines your history, symptoms and appropriate tests, while checking for other explanations. In adults, diagnosis generally requires two of these three features:

• Irregular ovulation, often reflected in irregular or absent periods.
• Signs or blood-test evidence of higher androgen levels.
• A characteristic ovarian appearance on ultrasound, or an appropriate anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) result used instead of ultrasound.

An AMH result alone cannot diagnose PMOS. If irregular cycles and androgen excess are already established, ultrasound or AMH may not be needed. The ovarian features involved are follicles, not a requirement to have ovarian cysts.

See the international guideline recommendations.

Is assessment different for teenagers?

Yes. Irregular cycles can occur during puberty, so assessment considers how long it has been since the first period. Adolescent diagnosis requires both ongoing menstrual irregularity, interpreted for that stage of development, and clinical or blood-test evidence of androgen excess, after other causes are excluded.

Ultrasound and AMH are not recommended for diagnosing PMOS in adolescents. If the picture is uncertain, a clinician can arrange follow-up and help with symptoms without rushing to label the condition. Read the adolescent-specific international recommendations.

What can help?

Care depends on your symptoms, health history and whether pregnancy is something you want now, later or not at all. There is no single treatment for every concern.

Options can include medicines to manage irregular bleeding, treatments for acne or unwanted hair, and support for metabolic health. Some treatments are unsuitable during pregnancy or when trying to conceive, so discuss your plans before starting or changing them. Fertility care is a separate part of the plan when needed. The NHS overview describes the broad treatment approaches; Australian availability and individual suitability need local advice.

Sustainable eating and physical activity can support health even without weight loss. There is no single diet proven best for everyone with PMOS. Ask for support that fits your circumstances and preferences, rather than a restrictive plan you cannot maintain.

What about longer-term health?

PMOS is associated with increased risks of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and anxiety or depression. A diagnosis is a reason to discuss ongoing care, not a prediction that you will develop these conditions. Pregnancy can also need additional monitoring. WHO summarises these associations.

Discuss blood glucose, cholesterol and blood-pressure checks with your clinician. Long gaps without periods also need a plan to protect the uterine lining. Endometrial cancer risk is increased, but the overall chance remains low; routine screening is not recommended solely because of PMOS. The international guideline explains these care priorities.

Can I become pregnant?

PMOS does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Irregular ovulation can make conception harder, and treatment may help. If you want to become pregnant, discuss your cycle pattern, medicines and next steps with your clinician. If you do not want pregnancy, discuss contraception rather than relying on irregular periods for protection. See the NHS PMOS information.

Preparing for an appointment

Have available any information you already have about your periods, symptoms, medicines and supplements, and previous test results.

Useful questions include:

• What supports this diagnosis, and what other causes need checking?
• Which concern can we work on first?
• Do my periods need a treatment plan?
• Which health checks and follow-up are useful for me?
• How do my pregnancy plans affect the options?

When to seek help sooner

Do not assume new pain or bleeding is caused by PMOS. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal or pelvic pain, especially if pregnancy is possible. If you are bleeding very heavily, or feel faint or close to passing out while bleeding, call 000. Arrange medical assessment for bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause. See healthdirect's advice on bleeding between periods and ectopic pregnancy.

Related HerDoc guides

• Periods and menstrual health
• Heavy, painful or changing periods
• Contraception options