From PCOS to PMOS: Understanding the new name and simple ways to support hormone health
By Anusha Wijeyakumar, WHI Wellness Consultant
There’s an important update to the term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The medical community has officially renamed the condition Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). This name change proves what we've known all along—this condition isn’t just about the ovaries. It affects multiple hormone systems throughout the body, influencing everything from metabolism and blood sugar to energy levels, ovulation, and long-term health. The good news? You can make simple, everyday choices that support healthier hormone balance, and build habits that help your body function at its best.
Androgens and insulin: The PMOS connection
Excess androgens: Androgens are hormones everyone has, but people with PMOS often produce higher-than-normal levels, which can disrupt ovulation and contribute to symptoms like unwanted facial and body hair, acne, and hair thinning.
Insulin resistance: Insulin moves sugar from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. However, many people with PMOS face insulin resistance. When cells stop responding to insulin properly, the body pumps extra to compensate. These high insulin levels can trigger stubborn abdominal weight gain and signal the ovaries to produce excess androgens.
Together, these hormonal changes can create a cycle that affects your metabolism, energy levels and well-being.
A few small changes to consider…
There are different ways to manage PMOS, and the right treatment depends on your symptoms, goals and overall health, but making just a few smart daily lifestyle shifts to help improve insulin sensitivity can play an effective role in a long-term care plan:
Prioritize protein: Pair complex carbs with protein and a healthy fat to slow glucose absorption, ensuring insulin levels cruise at a gentle wave rather than a chaotic spike.
Let strength training do the heavy lifting: Building lean muscle can help reduce insulin resistance. This is because strength training allows your muscles to absorb sugar directly from your bloodstream without the need for a massive flood of insulin.
Limit stress: High cortisol acts like a direct wrecking ball to progesterone and insulin stability. Schedule a 10-minute daily "unplug" window to bring your nervous system into a calm state, easing the metabolic load on your adrenals.
Think of these healthy daily habits as a protective foundation for managing PMOS. By supporting your metabolism and hormone health consistently over time, you create an environment where your endocrine system can function more effectively.
Learn more about the Hoag for Her Center for Wellness Program.
