PCOS / PMOS and women's hormone health

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects between one in ten and one in eight women of reproductive age. In 2026 an international consensus renamed it polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), because the old name described cysts that are in fact normal egg follicles and left out the hormonal and metabolic side of the condition. The diagnostic criteria have not changed, and both names will be in use for some time.

An endocrine assessment can confirm the diagnosis, check for conditions that look similar, and explain what it means for you now and in the longer term.

What an endocrine assessment covers

• Confirming the diagnosis against the 2023 international guideline
• Ruling out conditions that mimic it: thyroid disease, a raised prolactin, non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and, where symptoms are severe or develop quickly, cortisol excess or an androgen-producing tumour
• Metabolic screening where appropriate, which may include blood pressure, cholesterol or glucose tests
• The problems you most want addressed: periods, skin and hair, weight, or long-term health

How the diagnosis is made

In adults, two of three features are needed: irregular or absent ovulation; signs or blood tests showing raised androgens; and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Since 2023 the international guideline has allowed a raised AMH blood test to be used in adults in place of the ultrasound. If periods are irregular and androgens are raised, no scan or AMH test is needed. In the first eight years after periods start, neither ultrasound nor AMH is used.

Other hormone problems assessed

• Irregular or absent periods from other causes, including a raised prolactin
• Periods stopping before the age of 40 (premature ovarian insufficiency)
• Unwanted hair growth or acne caused by androgen excess

If pregnancy is a priority, Dr Spiliotis can help you prepare for it and suggest a referral to a fertility specialist when that is the right next step.