Book AppointmentCall 1800 727 627

Gynaecology Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)

Previously named polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a common and complex hormonal condition that occurs when the female body produces an unusually high level of the male hormone androgen. It affects around one in eight Australian women.1

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)

What is PCOS/PMOS?

PMOS is one of the most common causes of fertility issues in women. This complex, underdiagnosed condition is caused by hormonal imbalances, which may result in irregular or absent ovulation, making it difficult to fall pregnant.

The exact cause of PCOS/PMOS is still unknown, but it is thought that genetics and environmental factors both contribute to the condition.

In addition to abnormal menstrual periods, a PMOS/PCOS diagnosis may be made with:

  • Identifying cysts on your ovaries with ultrasound
  • A blood test measuring androgen levels or anti-Müllerian hormone
  • A physical exam noting external signs of elevated androgen hormones

Common symptoms of PCOS/PMOS

Common symptoms of PCOS/PMOS include:

  • Difficulty conceiving
  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Excess facial and body hair growth
  • Weight gain and difficulty with weight loss
  • Acne and oily skin
  • Anxiety and mood symptoms

In addition to these symptoms, PMOS is associated with an increased risk of long-term health risks, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

 How is PMOS/PCOS treated?

Though PMOS cannot be cured, a holistic approach encompassing lifestyle changes, medications, and cosmetic interventions can address the distressing symptoms and long-term health risks associated with the condition.

Lifestyle modifications

Improving lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, and physical activity play a significant role in helping to manage your symptoms and regulating your ovulatory cycles. These behavioural changes can also make a meaningful difference to reducing complications from associated health conditions, such as sleep apnoea, mood disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Hormone therapy

Certain hormone-based medications may address symptoms including weight gain, unwanted hair growth, acne, and irregular periods. These include medications often prescribed as part of fertility treatments or conversely, as contraception, so it is important to discuss your family plans before deciding which treatment is right for you.

Cosmetic treatments

The visible symptoms of PMOS can be highly distressing. Specialist skin treatments for acne or permanent methods of hair removal may help to restore your self-esteem and confidence.

PMOS/PCOS and fertility

The elevated androgen levels associated with PMOS can directly interfere with ovulation and your menstrual periods. With irregular or absent ovulation, conception may be more difficult as an egg is not consistently available for fertilisation. 

The weight gain associated with PCOS/PMOS can also reduce the chances of implantation and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Care from an experienced fertility specialist can support your fertility through evidence-based lifestyle recommendations and medical interventions where needed.

Depending on your individual circumstances and family-building goals, Dr Parmar may recommend fertility treatment with:

  • Ovulation induction with the use of medications such as clomiphene or injections of follicle-stimulating hormone; this is often the first-line treatment for women trying to conceive 
  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI), which involves inserting prepared sperm into your uterus at the time of ovulation
  • In vitro fertilisation (IVF), which involves combining your collected eggs with your partner’s or donor’s sperm in a laboratory
Gynaecology and women's health image – Dr Chandrika Parmar Melbourne

Fertility treatment for women living with PMOS are often just as successful as for those without PMOS, if no other fertility factors are present.

Find out more about assisted reproductive technologies
References
  1. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 2026. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/pcos/. (last accessed Jun 2026).

Frequently Asked Questions

Although PMOS interferes with the development and the release of eggs from the ovaries, it is manageable. If targeted lifestyle interventions do not restore normal ovulation and allow you to conceive naturally, Dr Parmar offers fertility treatment options including ovulation induction, IVF, or IUI. 

PMOS/PCOS diagnosis includes ruling out other causes of your symptoms. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis to ensure you receive the right care and prompt management, especially if you are considering getting pregnant. Dr Parmar’s evaluations may include a physical exam to check for signs of elevated male hormones, such as excess hair. A pelvic ultrasound can uncover cystic changes to your ovaries, while a blood test is invaluable for detecting abnormal levels of male hormones and any other hormone imbalances.

Typically, doctors make a PMOS/PCOS diagnosis if you have two of the following three symptoms:

  • Irregular periods or none at all
  • Signs of high levels of the male hormone androgen, such as high blood levels of androgen, excess facial hair, acne, or thinning of scalp hair
  • Cysts on one or both ovaries that show up on an ultrasound

Need a PMOS/PCOS specialist?

If a gynaecological condition is impacting your fertility, Dr Chandrika Parmar can help. From endometriosis and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome to the lesser understood vaginismus, timely diagnosis and management can not only get you on track to parenthood but also improve your confidence and overall quality of life. Contact Dr Parmar’s rooms today and get the compassionate specialist care you need.

Book Appointment   Call 1800 727 627