Millions of women diagnosed with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) may soon benefit from annual health check-ups and earlier detection, according to new provisional recommendations from the health watchdog.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests that individuals living with PMOS, previously identified as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), should undergo yearly assessments to monitor the hormonal disorder associated with diabetes, heart problems, fertility issues, and mental health concerns. Despite affecting around one in eight women, medical professionals often overlook this condition, leaving women to struggle with managing it for years after initial symptoms emerge.
Sharon Mansfield, a committee member involved in developing NICE’s draft guidance, shared her decade-long battle with doctors dismissing her irregular periods, weight issues, and mental health struggles until she was eventually diagnosed in her mid-30s. She expressed hope that the estimated 3-4 million UK women with PMOS will now be taken seriously and diagnosed earlier.
The draft guideline includes detailed information on recognizing and diagnosing PMOS to enhance prompt identification. Additionally, NICE emphasizes that healthcare providers should consider the higher prevalence of PMOS among Black, Asian, and mixed-ethnicity women when evaluating symptoms.
Once diagnosed, women will be offered annual health assessments to monitor symptoms and identify early signs of conditions like diabetes, enabling physicians to recommend lifestyle modifications before more severe complications arise. In addition to the existing NHS support, women planning pregnancy will also receive guidance on managing the condition and information on fertility treatments, including IVF when appropriate.
The renaming of PMOS from PCOS reflects a global effort by experts to dispel misunderstandings surrounding the condition and recognize its broad “metabolic consequences” that impact the entire body, not just the ovaries.
Marie Anne Ledingham, a consultant clinical advisor specializing in women’s and reproductive health at NICE, described the annual review as a crucial step toward providing ongoing care for women. She emphasized the importance of the new guideline in standardizing care, raising awareness about the condition, and promoting earlier diagnosis and management.
NICE is seeking feedback from doctors, patients, and the general public on the draft guideline during the consultation period running from July 1 to August 11. The final guideline on PMOS is anticipated to be released in December 2026.