Annual NHS Checks Recommended for Women with PMOS
Women diagnosed with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) should undergo yearly health assessments to enable healthcare professionals to identify the diverse health complications associated with this multifaceted condition, according to new guidance issued for the NHS.
PMOS, which affects approximately one in eight women, was previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) but was renamed in May to better represent the extensive effects it can have on the body.
The draft guidance, released by the health regulator NICE, advocates for expedited diagnosis and enhanced ongoing monitoring of the condition.
Understanding PMOS and Its Impact
PMOS is a leading cause of female infertility. Common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, and weight gain.
Despite an estimated three to four million women in the UK living with PMOS, the condition remains underdiagnosed and inconsistently managed, according to NICE.
The new recommendations specify that annual health checks should encompass not only the primary symptoms but also the long-term associated risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
NICE emphasizes that lifestyle modifications alongside medical treatment may help prevent the development of more severe health issues.
While there is currently no cure for PMOS, the NHS provides treatments aimed at symptom management, including hormone therapy and fertility medications.
The guidance explicitly advises against the use of laser and light therapies for hair reduction due to their cost implications.
Patient Experience: Sharon Manship's Journey
Sharon Manship, who has lived with PMOS for 30 years and contributed to the development of the new guidelines, shared her experience of delayed diagnosis.
She sought medical help in her early twenties but was not diagnosed until over a decade later.
"It was so disheartening to be told, until I was finally diagnosed in my mid-30s, that my symptoms were just part of being a woman," she said.
"My hope is that with this new guideline, people with PMOS will be taken seriously, diagnosed earlier and provided with evidence-based support and care from healthcare professionals from the outset, rather than having to go what I went through."
Guidance on Diagnosis and Assessment
The updated guidelines provide criteria for when to suspect PMOS, methods for assessment, and diagnostic procedures.
They also note that PMOS should not be ruled out in women who have undergone menopause.
PMOS is believed to be more prevalent among women of Black, Asian, and mixed ethnic backgrounds, and healthcare providers are advised to consider this during evaluations, according to NICE.
Mental Health and Lifestyle Considerations
Living with PMOS can significantly affect mental health and quality of life, with depression and anxiety commonly reported.
For women planning pregnancy, the guidelines recommend counseling on weight management, diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health support.
Expert Commentary and Next Steps
Marie Anne Ledingham, consultant clinical advisor for women's and reproductive health at NICE, described the recommendation for a "simple" annual review as an "important step."
"This new guideline will help improve consistency of care, increase awareness of the condition, and support earlier diagnosis and management."
The draft guideline is open for public consultation from 1 July to 11 August 2026, with NICE inviting feedback from healthcare professionals, patients, and the public. The final guideline on PMOS is expected to be published in December 2026.
