Women with PMOS should have annual NHS checks, new guidance says

Women with PMOS should receive annual NHS checks to spot related health risks sooner, according to new draft guidance.

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a complex condition that can have wide-ranging effects across the body.

It affects around one in eight women and was formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome. It was renamed in May to better reflect its broader effects.

Draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) calls for quicker diagnosis and better monitoring.

Marie Anne Ledingham, consultant clinical adviser for women’s and reproductive health at NICE, described the recommendation for a “simple” annual review as an “important step”.

She said: “This new guideline will help improve consistency of care, increase awareness of the condition, and support earlier diagnosis and management.”

PMOS is a major cause of female infertility. Symptoms can include irregular or absent periods, difficulty becoming pregnant, excessive facial or body hair, weight gain, hair loss, oily skin and acne.

An estimated three million to four million women have the condition in the UK, but NICE says it remains underdiagnosed and inconsistently managed.

The proposed annual reviews would cover current symptoms and longer-term health risks linked to the condition, including diabetes and heart disease.

NICE says lifestyle changes and treatment could help prevent more serious illness.

There is no cure for PMOS, but NHS treatments can help manage its symptoms. These include hormone support and fertility drugs.

The draft guideline does not recommend laser or light therapies for hair reduction because of the cost.

Many women report difficulty understanding the possible cause of their symptoms or experience delays before receiving a diagnosis.

When doctors suspect PMOS, they may use blood tests to assess hormone levels and ultrasound scans to look for the multiple follicles often seen on the ovaries of those affected. Follicles are small, fluid-filled sacs in which eggs develop.

The draft guideline sets out when healthcare professionals should suspect the condition and how women should be assessed and diagnosed.

It also says PMOS should not be ruled out in women who have been through the menopause.

The condition is thought to be more common among black, Asian and mixed-ethnicity women. NICE says healthcare professionals should consider this when assessing symptoms.

PMOS can also have a significant effect on mental health and quality of life, with depression and anxiety described as common among women with the condition.

Women planning a pregnancy should receive advice on weight, diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health, according to the guidance.

The draft guideline is open for consultation from 1 July to 11 August 2026, with feedback invited from healthcare professionals, patients and the public.

The final guideline is expected to be published in December 2026.