Why has PCOS been changed to PMOS?
PCOS (Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome) has recently been changed to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) so we caught up with Chris Ziegenbein, one of our Lead Psychologists who has worked with clients with gut issues for over a decade to find out why the name change happened and why he thinks it will have a positive impact on the mental health of individuals with PMOS…or those who have previously been undiagnosed.
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a “complex systemic endocrine and metabolic disorder” impacting approximately 1 in 8 females (AFAB) of reproductive age. Formerly referred to as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) the new title recognises the complex multi-system endocrine disorder beyond the previous label which emphasised the presence of cyst, which although potentially a feature, do not encompass the breadth of the condition or its impacts.
PMOS causes hormonal and metabolic disruptions with symptoms varying from:
irregular or absent periods
anovulation
fertility difficulties
insulin resistance
weight gain or difficulty losing weight
blood-sugar fluctuations
increased hunger
elevated cholesterol
fatigue
acne
excess facial or body hair
scalp hair thinning
oily skin
darkened skin patches
chronic inflammation
sleep disturbance
mood changes
anxiety
depression
cognitive fog
heightened stress sensitivity
body-image distress
Despite the severe debilitating impact of these symptoms, PMOS often presents as an invisible illness. A condition causing significant impact but not seen or recognised by others. Many people also experience frustration or distress from long diagnostic delays, inconsistent medical advice, or feeling dismissed when their symptoms don’t fit the outdated “cyst-based” definition. As a result of this, individuals with PMOS can experience increased loneliness, anxiety and body image concerns. With greater understanding of the symptoms that may indicate PMOS, this will hopefully have a positive impact on individuals with PMOS as it will increase diagnostic clarity, improve access to additional medical support such as psychology services and dietetics and reduce the symptoms of co-occuring mental health issues.
Understandably, many people with PMOS are hesitant to engage in psychological intervention because they have been told the symptoms they experienced were caused by stress or broader mental health concerns. Although PMOS is not caused by stress, psychology does play a valuable role in supporting individuals with PMOS. Evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and health-psychology interventions can help people understand the mind–body connection, manage the emotional impact of chronic symptoms, and build sustainable routines around sleep, nutrition, pacing, and stress.
Crucially, stress itself can worsen PMOS symptoms. Elevated cortisol can increase insulin resistance, intensify inflammation, disrupt cycles, and heighten androgen activity, creating a feedback loop where stress makes symptoms worse, and worsening symptoms increase stress.
We highly recommend engaging with a trusted medical team including a general practitioner and specialists who listen to your concerns. With medical intervention and monitoring in place we then have a stable base to begin working towards improving quality of life through stress reduction and symptom management.
Looking for a therapist that understands PMOS?
At Graham Psychology we have psychologists who are experienced at working with chronic illnesses to reduce the exacerbation of symptoms and improve mental wellbeing.
We accept both Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMP) and Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP) if you are seeking a Medicare rebate, and will work collaboratively with your healthcare team.