---
title: "PCOS (now called PMOS): symptoms, causes & treatment"
description: "PCOS, which the NHS now calls polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), affects around 1 in 10 UK women."
url: "https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/conditions/pcos/"
source: "Sanara Health"
licence: "Quote with attribution and a link to the url above."
---
# PCOS (now called PMOS): symptoms, causes & treatment

PCOS, which the NHS now calls polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), affects around 1 in 10 UK women. Irregular periods, excess hair, acne and weight difficulty are common; diagnosis needs proper assessment.

Editorial information by **Kaiser Khan**. Not clinically reviewed.

## Symptoms

- Irregular or absent periods
- Acne or oily skin
- Excess facial/body hair
- Difficulty losing weight
- Difficulty conceiving

## Why it happens

Hormonal imbalance with higher androgens and often insulin resistance. Runs in families; not caused by ovarian cysts alone despite the name.

## Treatment

Depends on goals: contraception regulates cycles; a prescriber may treat insulin resistance; fertility referral if trying to conceive; weight management where appropriate.

## Self-care that helps

Regular exercise, balanced diet with low-GI choices, track cycles, and seek assessment rather than guessing from symptoms alone.

## When to get help

No periods for 3+ months, signs of diabetes, or trying to conceive for 12 months (6 if over 36) — GP or specialist review.

[See our pcos (now called pmos) support →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/contraception-pill-online-uk/)

Go deeper

## Related guides

[PCOS (now PMOS) symptoms and treatment UK: diagnosis and care options — PCOS, now called PMOS by the NHS, explained: symptoms, how it is diagnosed in the UK and treatment for periods, skin, weight and fertility.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/pcos-symptoms-treatment-uk/)

Available without prescription

## Products that can help

[Everyday health — Vitamin D3: 1000 IU explained](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/vitamin-d3-1000iu/)

[Everyday health — Omega-3 fish oil](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/omega-3-fish-oil/)

[Everyday health — Daily multivitamins](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/daily-multivitamin/)