PMOS Symptoms Quiz: Do I Have PMOS? Signs, Diagnosis, Next Steps & FAQ

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS, affects many people of reproductive age and can impact fertility, metabolism, and overall health. Use the free assessment below to spot common signs and explore possible next steps.

What Is PMOS?

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS, is a complex metabolic and endocrine condition that causes hormonal imbalances, typically in girls and women of reproductive age. These hormonal imbalances can also prevent regular ovulation and the release of an egg to meet the sperm, often resulting in fertility issues.

But PMOS doesn't just affect women of reproductive age - it can impact life far beyond these years, stretching into menopause and contributing to other health issues.

It's important to acknowledge that PMOS also affects people who don't identify as women (including non-binary, queer, and trans patients), and excluding them from the narrative can lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced awareness. 

PMOS Symptoms Quiz: Do I Have PMOS?

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute a comprehensive evaluation or diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional.

If you suspect you might have PMOS or want to learn more about its common symptoms, take the short quiz below or skip ahead to explore frequently asked questions about the condition.

1. How often do you get your period?

1. I often go 35 days or longer without getting my period
2. I frequently go months without getting a period
3. I get my period every 20 days or less, on average
4. I am currently on birth control (unsure of my regular cycle timing)
5. I get my period every 21 to 34 days, like clockwork

2. If trying to conceive, have you been successful?

1. No, it has been more than 1 year and I'm still not pregnant
2. I have been able to conceive, but have not carried a pregnancy to term
3. Yes, it was very easy for me to get pregnant

3. Do you struggle to lose excess weight?

1. Yes, it is very difficult for me - even with diet and exercise
2. I am able to lose weight, but it takes a lot of effort
3. No, I've always been within my normal weight range

4. Do you have intense cravings for sweets and/or carbs (i.e. pasta, bread)?

1. Yes, my cravings for certain foods are very hard to ignore 
2. I sometimes experience cravings, but can ignore them
3. No, I don't have any specific cravings

5. Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with PMOS?

1. Yes, there at least one person (i.e. mother, sister, grandmother, or aunt) who has PMOS
2. No, but I have a family member who is overweight and has high blood pressure
3. No one in my family has been diagnosed with PMOS (that I'm aware of)

6. How is your skin?

1. I have frequent breakouts of bad acne 
2. I have occasional acne, but nothing serious
3. My skin is typically clear with no acne

7. Do you have any skin tags or dark patches on your skin?

1. Yes, I notice quite a few of both
2. I have one or the other - but not much
3. No, I don't have either

8. Do you often feel lightheaded or dizzy?

1. Yes, I often do 
2. Occasionally
3. No, not really

9. Is your hair thinning and/or do you have hair growth in unwanted places?

1. Yes, I am experiencing both issues
2. I am noticing extra hair growth OR thinning hair, but not much
3. No, I don't have either issue

10. Do you tend to gain extra weight in your midsection?

1. Yes, I carry most of my weight in my midsection 
2. No, my weight is pretty evenly distributed
3. No, I don't really carry any extra weight

How to Calculate Your Score

If you selected A for most questions above, these answers point to common PMOS signs. Talk with a PMOS specialist about testing and treatment options.

If you selected B for most questions above, you may have some PMOS features. A consult and basic lab work can help clarify what is going on and get you answers.

If you selected C for most questions above, your answers show fewer common PMOS signs. If you are trying to conceive, our free fertility assessment can still help.

Think you might have PMOS?

Here are some good next steps to take:

• Schedule a consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist
• Get tips on PMOS nutrition, fertility, fitness and more by downloading our free guide
• Explore our collection of PMOS resources, including patient stories, videos, and articles

Can you still get pregnant with PMOS?

An Illume couple shares their struggles with PMOS and male factor infertility and how they finally became parents.

Frequently Asked Questions About PMOS

What causes PMOS?

The exact cause of PMOS is currently unknown, and it is thought to be multifactorial, meaning several factors may contribute to its development. Some studies show that there is a genetic component, and it tends to run in families. Women with PMOS are more likely to have a mother, sister, or aunt who was also diagnosed with PMOS in the past.

How is PMOS diagnosed?

The Rotterdam Criteria is the most widely accepted criteria used to diagnose PMOS. Patients must possess two of the following three features to be diagnosed:

1. Irregular or absent ovulation
2. Symptoms or lab work that indicate high androgen levels (e.g., hormones such as testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)
3. Polycystic-appearing ovaries

Occasionally, patients receive a PMOS diagnosis because they have had an ovarian cyst or elevated AMH level, but these are not part of the criteria. Early confirmation of PMOS is key in adopting a healthier lifestyle that can prevent many unwanted symptoms of PMOS.

Is there a cure for PMOS?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PMOS, but symptoms caused by PMOS can be managed. Lifestyle changes, including dietary changes and regular exercise, may help to restore ovulation and achieve pregnancy.

It is best to work with your PMOS team to develop a multidisciplinary treatment plan that caters specifically to you and your goals.

What are the symptoms of PMOS?

Some common signs and symptoms of PMOS are as follows:

• Lack of regular ovulation, which can lead to fertility challenges
• Absent or irregular menstrual periods
• Hirsutism – increased hair growth on the face, stomach, back, etc.
• High numbers of follicles in the ovaries
• Weight gain, difficulty losing weight, or weight being carried in the midsection
• Frequent acne
• Excessive hair loss or hair thinning
• Anxiety or depression

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels in the body. After eating, blood glucose levels rise, and insulin brings glucose from the blood into the cells to give them energy.

Insulin resistance occurs when your body makes enough insulin, but the insulin is not being used effectively. When this occurs, blood glucose levels can be higher than normal, and the body works harder and produces more insulin in response. 

If the pancreas cannot keep up with the extra insulin produced, type 2 diabetes may develop.

Patients with PMOS are at an increased risk of developing insulin resistance, so it is important to check this with blood work. The best way to assess your glucose and insulin metabolism is with a two-hour oral glucose tolerance test.

What treatments are available for PMOS?

• If you do not plan to become pregnant, birth control pills (OCPs) can be used to regulate periods, reduce androgens in the blood, and clear acne.
• If you do want to achieve pregnancy, oral/injectable medicine can be used to achieve ovulation.
• If insulin resistance is evident, the medication metformin might be utilized to help improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, resulting in improved blood glucose levels.
• Injectable GLP-1 RA medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro are another option some PMOS patients choose to explore.

How can birth control pills be used to treat PMOS?

Birth control pills (OCPs) may be prescribed to regulate your menstrual cycle and improve PMOS symptoms such as acne and excessive hair growth. However, OCPs will not affect or improve insulin resistance.

Can I get pregnant if I have PMOS?

Yes! Some women may require help from a reproductive endocrinologist to achieve pregnancy. Most people who have fertility challenges due to PMOS do not ovulate on their own. Thankfully, there are simple treatments that can help induce ovulation, most notably oral medications to stimulate follicle growth.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is also an option for many patients with PMOS, depending on their personal circumstances. It’s best to discuss your specific case with a reproductive endocrinologist if you feel that fertility treatment may be right for you.

Searching for answers?

Download our free PMOS FAQ sheet for easy reference - any time, anywhere. Get the facts about PMOS nutrition, fertility, treatment and more.

What can I do to stay healthy with PMOS?

PMOS can cause a variety of health issues, so it's important to be proactive. Unfortunately, there can be a correlation between PMOS and weight gain, gestational diabetes, and type 2 diabetes, making it all the more important to know how to mitigate your risk factors.

Note: Not everyone who has PMOS struggles with excess weight. Around 20% of patients have what's called lean PMOS. 

People with PMOS are also at higher risk for hypertension, high cholesterol, fatty liver, and sleep apnea. It is important to see your doctor regularly, have a good diet and exercise regimen, and keep up to date with health screenings.

Why should I see a nutritionist?

Diet can impact insulin resistance in PMOS, and it is important that patients diagnosed with PMOS know how this occurs. Nutritionists are trained to help aid and teach patients about realistic and sustainable ways to eat and understand the impact of food on insulin levels with a diagnosis of PMOS.

Nutritionists are also able to break down blood work results and help teach patients how to tailor their diet and exercise regimen to improve insulin levels, aid in weight loss, and adapt to a healthier lifestyle.

We recommend seeking out a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), as they have more specialized training than a nutritionist who doesn't hold those credentials.

Why should I have annual blood work?

Blood levels can fluctuate with different treatment protocols. It is recommended that you follow up with routine blood work, whether that be every six months or annually.

Every patient’s PMOS diagnosis is a little different, so treatment protocols are tailored accordingly on a patient-by-patient basis.

If you are started on a medication or treatment regimen, it is important to check blood work to ensure your specific treatment protocol is still working for you and no changes need to be made to medications. Occasionally, a dose may be too high or too low for a patient, and blood work will tell us if adjustments need to be made.

PMOS Looks Different for Everyone

Knowing the signs and symptoms of PMOS can offer helpful insight into what might be going on in your own body. However, it is always important to seek out a qualified medical professional for a more comprehensive evaluation in order to determine whether you have PMOS and what (if any) treatments you might require.

Awareness is the first step in understanding this complex endocrine condition, but taking action is even more important, given the increased risk of other health challenges with PMOS.

Reach out to a PMOS expert today to take control of your symptoms and learn how you can not only survive, but thrive with PMOS.