Hormones . Symptoms guide
PMOS (formerly PCOS) Symptoms: What to Test First
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is the new official name for the hormonal and metabolic condition previously called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Diagnosis is clinical, requiring two of three features (irregular cycles, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries on scan). Bloodwork supports diagnosis by quantifying testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH and insulin sensitivity. The renaming was adopted in May 2026 by the Society for Endocrinology and a Lancet consensus paper, and is being led on by Mayo Clinic and other major clinical centres. A three year transition is underway, so you will still see PCOS used widely across the NHS and patient communities. The diagnostic criteria, bloodwork and management are unchanged; only the name is different.
This patient information is being clinically reviewed by our team. The factual content draws on UK guidance (NHS, NICE, British Association of Dermatologists, British Society for Sexual Medicine where cited).
What this might be
- PMOS (hormonal phenotype). Raised androgens with irregular cycles.
- PMOS (metabolic phenotype). Insulin resistance with raised androgens.
- Differential: thyroid dysfunction, prolactinoma, congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Bloodwork rules these out.
Common features that suggest this
- Irregular or absent periods
- Acne (especially jawline)
- Hirsutism (face, chest, abdomen)
- Scalp hair thinning
- Difficulty losing weight
- Insulin resistance signs (skin tags, acanthosis nigricans)
Recommended tests
Same-day appointments at our Harley Street clinic, results clinician-reviewed.
Need a marker not in these panels? Build a custom panel and a GMC-registered clinician will design one for you.
Testing advice
Days 2 to 5 of the cycle if you still bleed regularly. If cycles are absent, any day is acceptable. Morning appointment.
Common questions
Can I test if I am on the pill?
You can, but the pill suppresses the natural hormones we want to measure. Where possible, plan around a hormone-free interval, or accept that the result will be on-pill values, which still rule out the most worrying conditions.
Does PCOS cause hair loss?
Yes, female-pattern thinning is common. The Advanced Hair and Hormone Check pairs the hair-specific markers with the hormone screen.
Is PCOS the same as PMOS?
Yes. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) was adopted in May 2026 as the new official name for the condition previously called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). A three-year transition is underway, so PCOS remains in widespread use across the NHS, NICE guidance and patient communities. The diagnostic criteria, bloodwork and management are unchanged; only the name is different.
Related symptoms
Sources and further reading
- NICE CKS: Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Society for Endocrinology: PMOS is the new name for PCOS (May 2026)
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. A GMC-registered clinician will review your results and tailor any recommendations to you personally.