The exact cause of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is not known.
It may be linked to:
- insulin resistance
- hormone imbalance
- your genetics and family history
Insulin resistance
Insulin is a hormone made by your body. It helps turn glucose (sugar) into energy.
Insulin resistance means your body does not respond to insulin as it should. This causes your body to make extra insulin.
High levels of insulin causes your ovaries to make too much testosterone. This gets in the way of your follicles developing and stops you ovulating normally.
The follicles are sacs in the ovaries where eggs develop.
Hormone imbalance
Many women with PMOS have an imbalance in certain hormones, such as testosterone.
Raised levels of testosterone
Testosterone is often considered a male hormone. But women usually produce small amounts of it.
If you have PMOS, you may make more testosterone than usual.
More testosterone in your body may cause physical symptoms such as excess facial or body hair and acne.
Raised levels of luteinising hormone (LH)
Luteinising hormone (LH) stimulates ovulation.
If LH levels are too high, it can affect your ovaries and the development and release of eggs.
Genetics
PMOS sometimes runs in families. If any relatives have PMOS, you have a higher chance of having it.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
