PMOS or PCOS Diagnosis
& Management
Irregular periods, stubborn acne, unwanted facial hair, weight changes or trouble conceiving can be frustrating, especially if your symptoms have been brushed off as “just” hormones.
PMOS, formerly known as PCOS, is a common but complex endocrine (hormonal) condition that affects roughly 1 in 10 Australian women. Among Indigenous Australians, the prevalence is even higher, impacting 1 in 5 women.
This multi-system disorder can impact menstrual regularity, fertility, metabolic and skin health.
Dr Jessica Holden of Coastal Women’s Health provides women across Bass Coast with understanding and specialist care for PMOS or PCOS management. Ask your GP for a referral or contact our friendly team.
Ask your GP for a referral to Coastal Women’s Health or contact our friendly team to arrange your appointment.
PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. It is the new name for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS.
The name has changed because PCOS suggested ovarian cysts were the main feature of the condition. PMOS better reflects how the condition can affect hormones, metabolism, ovulation, skin, hair growth, weight, mood and fertility.
Patients, GPs and health websites may continue using PCOS during the transition, so both terms are included here to help you find the right information.
PMOS, formerly known as PCOS
PMOS is common, making awareness and timely assessment increasingly important.
Signs and symptoms of PMOS or PCOS
PMOS symptoms can look different for every person, and you definitely do not need every symptom to seek support. Common symptoms can include:
Irregular or infrequent periods
Missing periods
Heavy or unpredictable bleeding
Acne or oily skin
Excess facial, chest or body hair
Scalp hair thinning
Weight changes or difficulty managing weight
Trouble ovulating
Difficulty conceiving
Mood changes, including anxiety or low mood
Signs of insulin resistance
If your cycle is unpredictable, acne or hair growth is affecting confidence, or you are trying to conceive and unsure if you are ovulating, ask your GP for a referral to Coastal Women’s Health. Already have a referral?
Review usually includes:
A detailed medical history
Hormone blood tests
Glucose, insulin and cholesterol checks
Pelvic ultrasound, when needed
Track of your cycle pattern and ovulation
Discussion about pregnancy plans
Diagnosis is not based on one symptom alone. Dr Holden looks at the full picture and checks for other possible causes before confirming PMOS or PCOS.
PMOS can be hard to diagnose because symptoms can be confused with thyroid issues, high prolactin levels, adrenal hormone changes, stress, weight changes and other causes of irregular cycles.
Dr Holden always begins care with a detailed discussion about your periods, skin changes, hair growth, weight history, previous blood tests, ultrasound results, family history and fertility goals.
How is PMOS or PCOS diagnosed?
Pelvic Ultrasound for PMOS (or PCOS)
A pelvic ultrasound can be useful to show small cysts in the ovaries. These are non-dangerous small follicles that can be seen when ovulation is not happening regularly.
It is not always needed though, as you can have PMOS symptoms with normal-looking ovaries. You can also have polycystic-looking ovaries without strong symptoms. This is why the new name helps move the conversation away from cysts and back to hormones, ovulation and metabolic health.
Medical treatment for PMOS or PCOS
Medical treatment can help regulate bleeding, reduce acne or excess hair growth and support the uterine lining when periods are very infrequent. Options include:
The combined oral contraceptive pill
Progestogen medication
Mirena hormonal IUD
Metformin in selected situations
Anti-androgen medication for acne or excess hair growth
Ovulation induction medication when trying to conceive
Hormonal treatment does not suit every person, especially when pregnancy is the priority. Dr Holden will talk through what fits your symptoms, preferences and goals.
PMOS, insulin resistance and health
PMOS can be linked with insulin resistance, where the body has more difficulty using insulin effectively. Insulin resistance can contribute to weight changes, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes and cholesterol issues.
PMOS is not your fault. Women with PMOS need proper medical support, not blame or vague advice to lose weight.
Support can include blood test monitoring, movement guidance, metformin in selected situations and care coordination with your regular GP for long-term metabolic health.
PMOS and PCOS care on the Bass Coast
Irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, weight changes or fertility issues can affect confidence, relationships, work and day-to-day life. You do not need to manage it alone or wait until symptoms feel severe.
Dr Jessica Holden provides PMOS and PCOS diagnosis and management for patients across Bass Coast and nearby areas, including Wonthaggi, Cowes, Phillip Island, Inverloch, San Remo and Cape Paterson.
Ask your GP for a referral to Coastal Women’s Health, or contact our friendly team to arrange your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About PMOS
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Yes. PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is the new name for PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). It has been renamed because the condition is not only about ovarian cysts. PMOS better describes the hormonal, metabolic, skin, cycle and fertility impacts.
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There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively with specialist support. Treatments can help regulate periods, support ovulation, reduce acne or excess hair growth and monitor long-term metabolic health.
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No. PMOS can make it harder to conceive because ovulation can be irregular, but a large number of women conceive naturally. Ovulation induction or IVF can help when extra fertility support is needed.
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PMOS can be linked with insulin resistance, which can make weight management harder. Weight changes can also worsen symptoms. Care for PMOS, or PCOS, should be holistic, support metabolic health and do so without blame.
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Treatment can include the oral contraceptive pill, anti-androgen medication or skin-focused care. Results take time as treatment works with new hair and skin cycles.
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A GP referral is preferred and may help you access Medicare rebates. Referrals can be sent through HealthLink, Medical Objects or by email.
Irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, weight changes or fertility issues can affect confidence, relationships, work and day-to-day life. You do not need to manage it alone or wait until symptoms feel severe.
Dr Jessica Holden provides PMOS and PCOS diagnosis and management for patients across Bass Coast and nearby areas, including Wonthaggi, Cowes, Phillip Island, Inverloch, San Remo and Cape Paterson.
Ask your GP for a referral to Coastal Women’s Health, or contact our friendly team to arrange your appointment.