Summary
Read the full fact sheet- PCOS has been renamed PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) to better reflect the condition.
- PMOS is common – it affects around 1 in 8 women in Australia.
- Symptoms vary widely and can include irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, weight changes and low mood.
- There's no cure, but PMOS can be managed with the right treatment and support – see your doctor if you notice symptoms.
On this page
What is PMOS?
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). PMOS is a complex condition that’s influenced by genetic, environmental and behavioural factors.
PMOS affects about one in 8 women, and may be more common in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Why has PCOS been renamed PMOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome suggested a problem with ovarian cysts, whereas polyendocrine metabolic syndrome reflects the whole-body nature of the condition.
In simple terms:
- Polyendocrine – multiple hormones are involved
- Metabolic – higher risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease
- Ovarian – follicles may show on an ultrasound, but not for everyone
- Syndrome – a range of symptoms that affect physical and mental health
Common symptoms of PMOS
Symptoms differ for everyone, and can change over your life. They may include:
- irregular or absent periods
- excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- scalp hair thinning
- skin conditions, such as acne
- anxiety and depression
- weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- negative body image
- fertility and pregnancy issues
What causes PMOS?
The exact cause of PMOS isn't fully understood. It's likely due to a mix of genetic, environmental and behavioural factors. Risk factors that can be changed include smoking, high-calorie diets and low physical activity. But having these doesn't mean you'll develop PMOS.
Diagnosing PMOS
PMOS is common, but diagnosis is often missed or delayed. See your doctor if you notice possible symptoms. They will review your medical history and check for things like:
- irregular or absent periods
- acne
- excess body hair
- scalp hair loss (alopecia).
Getting diagnosed early can help you manage symptoms and lower your risk of long-term health problems.
Treatment and management of PMOS
There's no cure for PMOS, but your symptoms can be managed. Your doctor can coordinate care with specialists such as an endocrinologist, dietitian, psychologist or fertility specialist.
Treatment may include:
- healthy eating and regular physical activity
- hormone medicine to manage periods
- over-the-counter treatments for skin or hair symptoms
- support for mental and emotional health
- lifestyle changes and fertility treatment if you’re planning a pregnancy.
Long-term health risks of PMOS
PMOS can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea and endometrial cancer. Regular health checks, a healthy lifestyle and the right treatment can help lower these risks.
More information
For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit the PMOS page on the Jean Hailes website.
Where to get help for PMOS
- GP (doctor)
- Women's health clinics
- a health care professional, such as an endocrinologist, gynaecologist, dermatologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist or psychologist
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
- Teede H, Tay CT, Laven J, et al. International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2023. Monash University; 2023. Accessed February 27, 2025.
- Teede HJ, Mousa A, Tay CT, et al. Summary of the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: an Australian perspective. Med J Aust. 2024;221(7):389-395. doi:10.5694/mja2.52432
- Lentscher JA, Decherney AH. Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2021;64(1):3. doi:10.1097/GRF.0000000000000563
- Teede HJ, Khomami MB, Morman R, et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. The Lancet. 2026;0(0). doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8
- Piltonen TT, Kuusiniemi E, Teede H, WENDY Research Group study group. Ovarian Cysts in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. JAMA Intern Med. Published online May 11, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2026.1370
- Norman RJ, Morman R, Teede HJ. “Tis but thy name that is my enemy”—the problem with the naming of polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2023;120(2):249-250. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.03.028
- Singh S, Pal N, Shubham S, et al. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics. J Clin Med. 2023;12(4):1454. doi:10.3390/jcm12041454
- Joham AE, Norman RJ, Stener-Victorin E, et al. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022;10(9):668-680. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(22)00163-2
- Joham AE, Teede HJ, Ranasinha S, Zoungas S, Boyle J. Prevalence of infertility and use of fertility treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: data from a large community-based cohort study. J Womens Health 2002. 2015;24(4):299-307. doi:10.1089/jwh.2014.5000
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