Popular TV presenter Briony May Williams has revealed that her polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) diagnosis in 2013 inadvertently set her on the path to becoming a household name. Williams, known for her appearances on shows like BBC One's Morning Live and Channel 4's Food Unwrapped, began baking as a way to manage the stress of her then-undiagnosed illness, a hobby that ultimately led to her success on The Great British Bake Off five years later.
In 2013, Williams was signed off from her teaching job in Bristol due to severe symptoms, including extreme exhaustion and a change in body odour. It took seven months for her to receive a diagnosis of PMOS. Reflecting on this period, Williams stated that without the illness, she would not have started baking, and subsequently, her life would not have taken its current trajectory towards a successful presenting career.
Following her diagnosis, Williams commenced a treatment regime and was able to return to work within two months. She continues to manage her PMOS symptoms through a combination of medication and diet. Now, Williams is leveraging her public profile to raise awareness of PMOS and advocate for improved diagnosis rates, hoping to shorten the diagnostic journey for others experiencing similar symptoms.
PMOS, which was previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) until a name change on 12th May, is characterised by at least two of three main features: irregular periods, high levels of the hormone androgen (leading to symptoms like excess facial or body hair), and enlarged ovaries with fluid-filled sacs surrounding eggs. Other potential symptoms can include weight gain, fertility challenges, oily skin, and thinning hair. The renaming to PMOS by the International PCOS Network aimed to address concerns that the original term placed undue focus on 'cysts' and ovaries, despite the syndrome's diverse manifestations. NHS guidelines clarify that the fluid-filled sacs are not true cysts.
While there is currently no cure for PMOS, its symptoms can be effectively managed through treatment. Most women with the condition are able to conceive with medical intervention. Williams expressed her emotional reaction to the name change, pondering whether an earlier, more accurate term might have led to a quicker diagnosis for her. However, she ultimately acknowledged that the delay, though challenging, played a pivotal role in shaping her current career and the opportunities that followed.