What’s the Deal with the PCOS Rebrand?
One of the coolest things about the advancements happening in medicine right now is we are starting to understand more complex issues at a deeper level, which can revolutionize the care we are able to provide!
One area that has long been misunderstood is women’s health, particularly when it comes to hormones and the systemic effect of their regulation. This is something that many women come to me frustrated with, and one of those key diagnoses that is gaining a deeper understanding right now is one that is becoming increasingly common: PCOS.
If you’ve been paying attention, you may have noticed that PCOS just got a rebrand… to PMOS.
Confused? Let’s take a look at what this means!
What’s in a Name?
The reason this “rebrand” is a big deal is it actually isn’t just about the name… it’s about how we understand the condition itself, and points to break through in how we look at the diagnoses, and how we treat it.
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PMOS is short for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.
PCOS has largely just been pigeonholed into being strictly a gynecological issue, a dysfunction of the ovaries, but we are now starting to understand how much more complex the condition actually is. There are origins within metabolic and multiple hormonal pathways that cannot just be boiled down to “cysts” in the ovaries.
Another part of the reasoning behind the name change, is the “cysts” aren’t actually true cysts, but egg follicles that never properly developed, so the old name was misleading on top of being inadequate..
The most exciting thing about this change is our understanding: women are finally starting to get access to real holistic solutions.
So What Exactly is PMOS?
PMOS is characterized by two or more of the following symptoms:
Irregular or absent ovulation/periods
Signs of high testosterone (such as acne or excess hair) or high testosterone on blood tests
Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
High Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
And what newest research is finding is that insulin resistance may be the contributing factor behind the hormonal imbalances that create these symptoms, and perpetuate the cycle over the long term.
Our New Understanding and Better Treatment Options
The understanding of the root cause being a metabolic issue changes the game for treatment. In the past, women experiencing PCOS would often just be prescribed birth control pills to help regulate their hormones, but the cause is much deeper in being linked to blood sugar and insulin resistance.
This means that improving insulin sensitivity through nutrition, regular movement, quality sleep, stress management, and appropriate medications or supplements can often help restore more balanced hormones, improve ovulation, and reduce many of the symptoms over time.
PMOS Supports and Prevention
Every woman is different, so treatment should be individualized based on her symptoms, lab work, goals, and stage of life.
1. Balance Blood Sugar
Eat 20–30 g of protein at each meal.
Never eat carbohydrates by themselves, pair them with protein, healthy fats, or fibre.
Choose high-fibre carbohydrates such as vegetables, legumes, berries, oats, quinoa, and sweet potatoes.
Minimize sugary drinks, sweets, and highly processed foods.
Eat regular meals instead of skipping meals and then overeating later.
Even small improvements in insulin sensitivity can help lower testosterone levels and improve ovulation.
2. Build Muscle
Muscle is one of the body's biggest users of glucose, and helps to improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar, support healthy hormones and improve metabolism. Start small, but aim to strength train at least twice a week.
3. Walk Daily
Walking after meals is one of the simplest ways to improve blood sugar. Even a 10–20 minute walk after eating can reduce blood sugar spikes, improve insulin sensitivity and increase metabolism.
4. Prioritize Sleep
Poor sleep spikes cortisol, which makes insulin resistance worse.
Hone your sleep routine:
7–9 hours of sleep
A consistent bedtime
Morning sunlight exposure
Limiting screens before bed
No afternoon coffee
5. Manage Stress
Chronic stress can worsen insulin resistance and hormone imbalances through high cortisol.
Helpful practices include:
Deep breathing
Yoga
Meditation
Journaling
Time in nature
Gentle movement
Setting healthy boundaries
A calmer nervous system often supports healthier hormone function.
6. Don't Forget the Gut
Our gut health plays a role in insulin sensitivity, and estrogen metabolism.
Support gut health with:
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and kefir
A quality probiotic
Adequate fibre
Hydration
Key Supplements for PMOS
1. Myo-Inositol + D-Chiro Inositol (40:1 Ratio)
One of the most researched supplements for PMOS. May help improve insulin sensitivity, improve egg quality, lower testosterone, and improve menstrual regularity. Check with your healthcare provider before supplementing.
2. Magnesium
Many women don't get enough magnesium from diet alone. I recommend magnesium bisglycinate to reduce intestinal upset.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is common in PMOS, and most Canadians are low in Vitamin D!
4. Omega-3 Fish Oil
Omega-3 fats help reduce inflammation, and support healthy hormones and insulin sensitivity.
5. Berberine
Often referred to as "nature's metformin." Research suggests it may improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar and reduce inflammation. Berberine can interact with medications and isn't appropriate during pregnancy.
6. Zinc
Zinc plays an important role in hormone production, as well as immune function.
7. Spearmint Tea
Some studies suggest drinking two cups daily may help lower free testosterone and improve hormonal balance and symptoms like facial hair growth and acne.
The Body is a System, Not a Collection of Symptoms
PMOS is a condition that affects the entire body, not just the ovaries, and this “rebrand” is a great step in the direction of treating the body as a system, a whole, rather than a collection of isolated parts of symptoms. I think this is an exciting step for women's health!