PMOS (PCOS) Diagnosis and Tests: What Every Woman Should Know
PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), previously known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), is a hormone-related condition in females. According to a recent research published in The Lancet Journal, PMOS impacts roughly 1 in 8 women - over 170 million worldwide - during their reproductive years, causing symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, weight changes, and mood disturbances.
PMOS symptoms overlap with several other hormonal and metabolic conditions; self-diagnosis (or diagnosis by symptoms alone) is unreliable. Through various blood tests and screenings, such as an ultrasound scan, doctors gain insights into what's actually going on in your body and can start a treatment plan that fits your specific hormone profile. Below, we explain everything about PMOS, its symptoms, and how to make a reliable diagnosis.
Order a Home Test Kit for PMOS Test
What is PMOS/PCOS?
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a very common condition. It affects your hormones, causes irregular periods, increases facial hair growth, and is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Women with PMOS may have a higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, or other hormone-related health issues.
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome Symptoms
- Irregular menstrual cycle - longer than 35 days or absent for 3-4 consecutive cycles (amenorrhoea).
- Excess androgen levels cause excessive facial hair growth, acne, or baldness.
- Persistent fatigue
- Thin hair
- Body tags
- Unexplained weight gain
- Signs of depression or anxiety
- Darker velvety patches of skin, which can be linked to insulin resistance.
The Rotterdam Criteria to Diagnose PMOS
PMOS diagnosis follows the ‘Rotterdam Criteria,’ an internationally recognised diagnostic framework. It states that PMOS can be confirmed if a patient meets 2 out of 3 criteria: hyperandrogenism, irregular or absent menstrual cycles, or polycystic ovarian morphology.
Criteria 1: Hyperandrogenism
- Excess androgen causing hirsutism (excess coarse hair growth on the body, including upper lip, chin, jaw, chest, stomach, or inner thighs).
- Appearance of acne on the face
- Scalp hair thinning, leading to baldness
Criteria 2: Irregular or Absent Menstrual Cycle
High androgen levels affect follicle development, causing:
- Menstrual cycle shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
- Less than 8 menstrual cycles per year
- Complete absence of periods, known as amenorrhoea
Criteria 3: Polycystic Ovarian Morphology (PCOM)
A high number of follicles that haven’t progressed to ovulation. It can be evaluated by either a transvaginal ultrasound or an AMH blood test.
Types of Assessments/Tests to Diagnose PMOS
A proper diagnosis of PCOS depends on your physical appearance, symptoms, blood tests, and pelvic ultrasound. Your doctor assesses your condition based on the following evaluations:
Physical Examination
Your doctor will evaluate symptoms like weight gain, excess facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, skin tags, or acne.
Medical History
You will be asked for your previous test reports (if any) and medical history, such as diabetes or thyroid disorder, or other metabolic conditions, as well as your family history for any health conditions.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are often used to check hormone levels, assess metabolic health, and rule out other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These include:
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Reproductive hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation in women.
- AMH: Anti-Mullerian Hormone, produced by small follicles in the ovaries to estimate the ovarian reserve.
- Androgen Hormones: Essential for reproductive health, muscle development, libido, and bone density.
- Prolactin: Stimulates breast tissue development and supports fertility. High levels can disrupt ovulation and show PMOS-like symptoms.
- Glucose and HbA1c Testing: Helps assess blood sugar levels.
- Lipid Profile: Provides insights into women's metabolic health and cholesterol levels.
- Thyroid Function Test: Abnormal thyroid hormone levels can affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Order Female Hormone Health Profile
Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound is one of the key tools used to check the ovaries for the follicle patterns associated with PMOS (formerly PCOS). It's worth noting that despite the old name ‘polycystic,’ these aren't true cysts; they're small, immature follicles.
For a more detailed view, your doctor may recommend a transvaginal ultrasound in which a slim probe is inserted into the vagina to capture close-up images of the ovaries and uterine lining using sound waves.
Please remember, ultrasound findings alone don't confirm a PMOS diagnosis. Many women with the condition have normal-looking ovaries, and some without PMOS have polycystic-appearing ovaries. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis is important to confirm PMOS.
Why is Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of PMOS Important?
Getting an accurate diagnosis for PCOS is essential to manage and treat the condition effectively. With a clear, detailed understanding of your hormonal profile, you can:
Effectively Manage Your Symptoms
Every woman experiences different PMOS symptoms; some struggle with irregular periods, others with acne, hair growth, or weight changes. An accurate diagnosis helps your doctor pinpoint which hormones are driving your specific symptoms and treat the condition accordingly.
Plan Pregnancy
PMOS is one of the leading causes of infertility. Knowing your diagnosis early gives you more time and options to plan a pregnancy, whether through lifestyle adjustments, ovulation tracking, or fertility treatments guided by your specific hormone results.
Avoid Health Risks
If left undiagnosed or unmanaged, PCOS can cause longer-term health risks, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis helps doctors monitor these risks closely and take preventive steps before they develop into serious health concerns.
Book Your PCOS Test With The National Blood Test Clinic
Our PCOS Test Profile evaluates the hormone and metabolic markers associated with PMOS (PCOS), giving you and your doctor a clear picture of what's driving your symptoms. This test includes the following markers:
- FSH: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
- LH: Luteinizing Hormone
- TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- TEST: Testosterone (Total)
- FT4: Free Thyroxine 4 (Thyroid marker)
- HBA1C: Glycated Haemoglobin (Blood sugar levels)
Conclusion
PMOS (PCOS) is manageable when caught early, but that starts with the right diagnosis. If you're experiencing irregular periods, acne, or unexplained weight changes, don't leave it to guesswork. Book a Blood Test for PCOS with The National Blood Test Clinic today, and get clear, reliable results without unnecessary delays.
