New draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is urging NHS healthcare professionals to offer annual checks to an estimated three to four million women in the UK living with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). The condition, previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, has a broad impact on various bodily systems beyond the ovaries, and affects many women who may not be aware they have it.
For those living with PMOS, symptoms can include irregular periods, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and infertility. Despite its prevalence, NICE highlights that PMOS remains under-diagnosed and inconsistently managed within the current healthcare system. The proposed annual checks would extend beyond addressing primary symptoms to proactively monitor for longer-term associated health risks, such as the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The guidelines suggest combining lifestyle modifications with existing NHS treatments could significantly help prevent more severe illness. This includes hormone support and fertility drugs. However, laser and light therapies for hair reduction are not recommended due to cost implications.
Sharon Manship, who was part of the committee developing the new guidelines, knows firsthand how difficult it can be to receive a diagnosis for PMOS. She struggled for over a decade before being diagnosed in her mid-30s. "It's so disheartening when you're told your symptoms are just part of being a woman," she said.
The draft guidelines also advise healthcare professionals to consider PMOS in women who have gone through menopause and note that the condition may be more prevalent in women of Black, Asian, and mixed ethnicity. The guidance acknowledges the substantial impact PMOS can have on mental health and quality of life, with depression and anxiety being common among those affected.
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." She anticipates that the new guideline will enhance consistency of care, raise awareness of PMOS, and support earlier diagnosis and management for millions of women.