Millions of women diagnosed with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) may soon benefit from annual check-ups and early detection thanks to new guidelines proposed by the health watchdog.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that women living with PMOS, previously recognized as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), should undergo yearly assessments to monitor the hormonal disorder associated with diabetes, heart problems, fertility issues, and mental health challenges. Despite affecting approximately one in eight women, PMOS often goes undiagnosed by healthcare providers, leaving women to struggle with managing the condition for years.
Sharon Mansfield, a committee member involved in developing the NICE draft guidance, shared her decade-long journey of being dismissed by doctors for her irregular periods, weight concerns, and mental health issues before finally receiving a diagnosis in her mid-30s. She expressed hope that the new recommendations will lead to earlier and more serious consideration of the estimated 3-4 million UK women with PMOS.
The draft guideline includes detailed information on recognizing and diagnosing PMOS to facilitate prompt identification. NICE also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the higher prevalence of PMOS among Black, Asian, and mixed-ethnicity women when evaluating symptoms.
Once diagnosed, women with PMOS would be offered annual health assessments to monitor symptoms and detect early signs of conditions like diabetes, allowing healthcare professionals to recommend lifestyle modifications before complications arise. Additionally, women planning pregnancy should receive guidance on managing PMOS, including information about fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) when appropriate.
The transition from PCOS to PMOS aims to address misconceptions about the condition and highlight its broader metabolic implications beyond just the ovaries.
Marie Anne Ledingham, a consultant clinical advisor specializing in women’s and reproductive health at NICE, emphasized that the annual review represents a crucial step in providing continuous care to women.
NICE is seeking feedback from physicians, patients, and the public on the draft guideline during the consultation period from July 1 to August 11. The final guideline on PMOS is scheduled for publication in December 2026.