PMOS Diagnosis? 3 First steps To Take
I enjoy working with clients with PMOS. Because I’ve seen this frightening and confusing diagnosis actually transform women's lives for the better. Coming to terms with PMOS is a powerful opportunity for growth, if you choose to accept it.
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is the new globally recognised name for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). The name change highlights that this is an endocrine disorder and aims to enable swifter and more accurate diagnoses. Those with 2 out of 3 of the following symptoms will receive a diagnosis:
Delayed ovulation or anovulation (ie cycles longer than 35 days, or fewer than 8 periods a year, and anovulation meaning no ovulation – so no periods at all)
Excessive androgen hormones (hyperandrogenism) which can manifest in male pattern hair growth or loss and/or acne
12 or more cysts on both ovaries under ultrasound (12 or more follicles or an increased ovarian volume)
Most women have cysts on the ovaries, and so the presence of these follicles is not enough for diagnosis and – in part due to the old name — has been over diagnosed frequently. Some (the Androgen Excess & PCOS Society) insist that the most important symptom is hyperandrogenism, and that PMOS shouldn’t be diagnosed without signs of this. The name change reflects this thinking – this is an endocrine disorder above all.
Post diagnosis, you have choices to make.
You may be told your best option is to take the pill to manage symptoms, and then take drugs to trigger ovulation once or if you want a baby. Hormonal contraception (HCs) will create an illusion of cycle normality by lowering androgens and minimising irregular bleeding, but since ovulatory suppression is the main function, they cannot resolve the root metabolic issues. Additionally, HCs have been shown to increase metabolic risk factors (such as glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and DVT).
HCs work in the short term to mask symptoms, while the underlying health issues continue to grow.
Your other choice is to learn, understand and work with your body to heal. There are fantastic resources out there which can support you in this.
Without further ado, here are the first three steps I would recommend to anyone on this path.
Read the PCOS chapter in Real Food For Fertility by Lily Nichols and Lisa Hendrickson Jack. And the rest of the book, but head straight there if you want immediate guidance.
Read 8 Steps To Reverse PCOS by DR Fiona McCullough.
Track ovulation and symptoms using a fertility awareness method. Receiving a formal diagnosis can be scary and disorienting. What can I do? Will I struggle to conceive? Is this it forever? Observing and tracking your cycles creates safety in your nervous system. A responsive nervous system state (ie the opposite of fight/flight/fawn) is crucial for healing. It will also provide you with crucial information for advocating for yourself around treatment options. You can watch in real time as nutritional protocols and lifestyle changes begin to work, providing much-needed clarity and motivation. Those with PMOS have been told they will struggle to conceive. Knowing when you’re ovulating can hugely mitigate this worry.
Over time you'll get familiar with terms like ‘insulin resistance’, ‘reducing inflammation’, ‘thyroid health’ and ‘balancing adrenals’, and you can create a clear treatment routine for yourself.
I enjoy working with clients with PMOS. Because I’ve seen this frightening and confusing diagnosis actually transform women's lives for the better. Coming to terms with PMOS is a powerful opportunity for growth, if you choose to accept it.
Over time you'll get familiar with terms like ‘insulin resistance’, ‘reducing inflammation’, ‘thyroid health’ and ‘balancing adrenals’, and you can create a clear treatment routine for yourself.
Since 1 in 8 women have PMOS, you may even become a leader in your community helping others on this path.
If you are finding it overwhelming, seek support from an herbalist, a nutritionist, naturopathic doctor and/or a Fertility Awareness Educator.
Make sure they specialise in PMOS, have experience of working with it, and take a holistic approach.
One way of ensuring this is by asking them to provide you with a written or verbal case study demonstrating the recommendations and suggestions they usually make with clients with PMOS.
And remember. All the answers to your questions are already within you.
Love,