Diagnosis - Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)

Talk to your GP if you have any symptoms of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).

Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and may check your blood pressure. This will help rule out other possible causes.

They will ask you questions about your periods, such as:

• what age you were when you got your first period
• if you get your period every month
• if you have painful or heavy periods

They might also ask if you have noticed:

• weight gain
• excessive hair growth
• hair loss
• acne

Tests for PMOS

If your GP thinks you have PMOS, you might need some tests.

This is to:

• confirm the diagnosis
• check for other causes of hormone imbalance

Your GP may also weigh and examine you.

Blood tests

You may have blood tests to check your hormone levels.

If you have PMOS, you may have higher levels of testosterone than usual.

Your GP might also recommend blood tests to check for diabetes and high cholesterol.

Blood tests

Ultrasound scan

Your GP might refer you for an ultrasound scan. This can show whether you have a lot of follicles in your ovaries that look bigger than usual (polycystic ovaries). Follicles are the fluid-filled sacs where the eggs develop.

Having polycystic ovaries does not mean you have PMOS. Polycystic ovaries are common, particularly in young women and teenagers.

Diagnosing PMOS

You may be diagnosed with PMOS if you are an adult and have at least 2 of the following:

• irregular periods
• no periods at all
• excess hair growth on your face or body
• high levels of testosterone in your blood
• an ultrasound scan that shows you have polycystic ovaries

You may not need to have an ultrasound scan to confirm PMOS.

You may also be diagnosed with PMOS if other conditions have been ruled out.

Referral to a specialist

Your treatment will depend on the symptoms you have.

Your GP may refer you to a specialist.

This could be:

• a gynaecologist - a specialist in treating conditions of the female reproductive system
• an endocrinologist - a specialist in treating hormone problems
• a fertility specialist - if you are trying to get pregnant

Your GP or specialist will discuss the best way to manage your symptoms. They may recommend lifestyle changes and start you on any medicine you need.

Follow-up

If you have PMOS, you may need to be checked every year for:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes

This will depend on your age and weight.