Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome — commonly known as PMOS, formerly called PCOS — is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect women in very different ways.
Some women might have unpredictable periods. Others might be struggling with acne, unwanted hair growth or hair thinning on the head. Many women with PMOS struggle with unwanted weight gain, that is frustratingly difficult to get off. Many women also struggle to get pregnant with PMOS. Or perhaps you’ve been diagnosed with PMOS but still don’t understand what it means or how it affects you.
At Bronte Wellness Boutique, we take a comprehensive approach to PMOS that considers hormones, blood sugar, nutrition, lifestyle, and your individual symptoms.
What Is PMOS?
PMOS is a common hormonal condition associated with reproductive and metabolic health in women. The complex interplay of many systems of the body lead to several symptoms. The main criteria to be diagnosed with PMOS include multiple cysts on the ovaries, high androgens (like testosterone or DHEA) on blood work or based on symptoms (like acne and hirsutism), and anovulatory cycles (irregular or absent periods). Only two of the three criteria must be met to be formally diagnosed with PMOS, meaning having PMOS does not necessarily mean you have ovarian cysts. It can look different on every woman. Genetics, hormonal signaling, insulin resistance, metabolic health, and other factors can all play a role in the pathogenesis of PMOS.
Depending on the individual, PMOS may be associated with:
- Irregular or unpredictable periods
- Acne
- Increased facial or body hair
- Hair thinning
- Weight gain and weight loss resistance
- Insulin resistance
- Fertility challenges
- Mood & energy changes
- Metabolic concerns, like abnormal blood sugar & cholesterol
PMOS can look very different from one woman to another, and different lifestyle factors can be at play. That’s why personalized care matters.
Areas to Focus on in PMOS
Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Health
Women with PMOS often experience insulin resistance, which can affect how the body uses glucose for energy, or stores it as fat. Insulin resistance is associated with many negative health outcomes, like obesity, metabolic fatty liver, diabetes or cholesterol issues. Downstream, insulin resistance can affect many other body systems, such as hormones and metabolism. It is critical to manage insulin resistance early for the best outcomes with PMOS.
Hormonal & Menstrual Concerns
PCOS is associated with altered reproductive hormone patterns, which can affect ovulation and menstrual cycles. When ovulation doesn’t happen regularly, periods may become infrequent, unpredictable, or absent. Symptoms like acne, facial hair growth and hair loss from the head also arise from hormonal abnormalities.
Fertility Challenges
Unpredictable ovulation due to abnormal hormone patterns, insulin resistance and inflammation all lead to a less-than-ideal environment to get pregnant. However, having PMOS does not mean you cannot become pregnant. It only means that managing PMOS is extremely important! If you’re trying to conceive, understanding your cycle and identifying factors that may be affecting ovulation can be an important part of your care.
Our Approach to PCOS
Naturopathic Medicine
Through a thorough intake, blood work, functional testing we look at the complete picture. We’ll discuss everything from your menstrual cycles, symptoms, nutrition, lifestyle, stress, sleep and more! With all of this information, we formulate a plan that can include dietary advice, nutritional supplements, lifestyle practices and more. The best plan is comprehensive and individually tailored to you and your goals.
Hormone & Metabolic Assessment
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, appropriate testing may help provide additional information about your health.
Holistic Nutrition
Individualized nutrition plans can help support metabolic health, stable energy, proper hormones, and a healthy body weight.
Acupuncture for Fertility Support
For women who are trying to conceive, our approach can be tailored toward supporting healthy ovulation and reproductive health alongside appropriate medical care. Many women with PMOS seek acupuncture to help regulate menstrual cycles, which is extremely important when trying to conceive.
You don’t need to spend years treating individual symptoms without understanding the bigger picture. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward a more personalized approach to your hormonal and metabolic health.
