Recently, more than 50 patient advocacy and medical organizations came together to change the name of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) in order to better reflect the full-body nature of this condition. 

For years, the name “PCOS” led to confusion and misdiagnosis by focusing only on ovarian cysts, when in reality, it can affect multiple systems in the body. 

We’re breaking down the basics of this common condition, as well as sharing some natural ways to help support your health if you’re dealing with PMOS. 

What is Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome?

Affecting more than 170 million women worldwide, PMOS is a hormonal disorder that can affect everything from metabolic health and fertility to your mental health, skin, and more. It’s driven mainly by insulin resistance and an excess of male hormones like testosterone. While it may involve cysts on the ovaries, not everyone with PMOS has cysts—making the name change crucial in helping people get the right diagnosis. 

What is the Significance of Changing the Name?

Changing the name to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome better reflects the multisystem nature of the disorder:

• “Polyendocrine” recognizes that multiple hormone systems can be affected. 

• “Metabolic” reflects the condition's impact on metabolism, including insulin resistance

• “Ovarian” acknowledges the ovarian component and the possibility of cysts

Previously, women have struggled to be diagnosed correctly if their symptoms didn’t specifically include cysts; in fact, according to the WHO, up to 70% of affected women are currently undiagnosed. 

Experts are hopeful that the condition’s new name will help improve awareness, encourage earlier diagnoses, and expand treatment approaches for individuals dealing with this disorder.

What are the Symptoms of PMOS and How is it Diagnosed?

While there aren’t any blood tests that can diagnose PMOS, there are certain diagnostic criteria. The most common is the Rotterdam criteria. This requires a patient to present with at least two of these symptoms:

• Irregular or absent periods (and ovulation). You may miss periods or not have a period at all; similarly, you may not ovulate regularly. Heavy bleeding during periods is also common. 

• Signs of excess androgens, which may include acne, hair growth on the face, thinning hair on your head, or elevated hormone levels. 

• Ovarian cysts that are visible on an ultrasound

However, since symptoms can vary from person to person—and PMOS is a multi-system disorder— patients often need to advocate for themselves in order to get the right treatment. 

Potential Complications of PMOS

Because PMOS can involve hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and metabolic abnormalities, it can also increase your risk of:

• Infertility

• Type 2 diabetes

• Cardiovascular disease

• Mood and generalized anxiety disorders

Treatment options will depend on your individual symptoms and goals, and it’s important to find a doctor that can help you with a personalized plan to manage your health. There are medications to manage hormones and blood sugar, and fertility treatments available if you’re trying to get pregnant, as well as lifestyle changes that can help support your overall well-being. 

Natural Ways to Support Your Body with PMOS

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treating PMOS, many people find that lifestyle habits can support their health journey and help them feel their best. Focusing on nourishment, movement, stress management, and sleep can all be beneficial.

1. Remove endocrine-disrupting chemicals from your home

Balancing your hormones is an important part of addressing PMOS symptoms. However, most hormone-balancing advice is aimed at taking supplements, losing weight, and changing your diet. Yes, these are important and effective solutions that we’ll cover shortly, but if you don’t also address the elephant in your home—endocrine-disrupting toxins—you may be spinning your wheels with limited results. 

Endocrine or hormone disruptors are chemicals that have been shown to mimic, block, or alter the production and function of natural hormones. Endocrine disruptors have been linked to the development of PMOS and other hormonal disorders, reproductive issues, cancers, and beyond. And unfortunately, these chemicals are rampant in many conventional skincare products, laundry products, personal care products, cleaning products, and more.

Examples of endocrine disrupting chemicals include:

• Fragrance

• Plastic

• Bleach

• Ammonia

• PFAs (forever chemicals found in things like non-stick cookware, water-repellant products, toilet paper, facial tissue, and other products)

• Pesticides

• Herbicides

Why we believe in the power of removal

We are constantly exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals through the products we use every day. Many of these chemicals are released into the air as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), contributing to our ongoing exposure. Semi-volatile compounds are particularly hazardous because they don’t chemically bind to the materials in which they’re used. This means they can continuously off-gas into the air and build up in the body.

Branch Basics founder, Marilee Nelson, has spent more than 40 years helping clients navigate endocrine disruption and chronic health challenges. After years of researching ingredient safety while helping her son recover from what was believed to be irreversible brain and immune system damage, she began applying those insights to her clients. Through this work, she uncovered two major yet often overlooked barriers to healing: processed foods and the chemical-laden products used throughout our homes every day.

Marilee found that one of the most impactful steps her clients could take—especially those dealing with hormonal imbalances—was removing products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals from their homes. It can improve indoor air quality, reduce the burden on the immune system, and lower the toxic load your body has to process.

One encouraging aspect of many endocrine-disrupting chemicals is that they are rapidly metabolized and excreted by the body. Research, including the Hermosa Study, substantiates how quickly exposure levels can decline when these products are removed—even within just a few days.

To simplify the process of removal, Marilee developed a stress-free, step-by-step approach for creating a healthy home for her clients, which we offer on our website. Our Toss the Toxins Course doesn't cost money, doesn’t take much time, and has a proven track record of helping clients improve their health.

Give it a try and experience the power of removal for yourself!

2. Keep blood sugar balanced with the right nutrition

Another wonderful way to support your health with PMOS is through balanced nutrition and maintaining steady blood sugar. This is because insulin resistance can drive hormonal imbalance. Eating regular meals and avoiding long periods without food can help this, but the quality of your food is just as important.

Building meals around high-quality protein, healthy fats, fiber-rich vegetables, fruits, and minimally processed foods can help support overall metabolic health and steady energy levels. Research also suggests that eating a plant-forward, Mediterranean diet may be helpful for some women with PMOS because it focuses on eating whole foods that are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. 

3. Get a good night’s rest

Poor sleep can worsen insulin resistance and weight gain, making quality sleep a priority in hormone regulation and managing your health. Getting enough sleep also helps your body build a better foundation for a day of healthy choices: starting your day well-rested makes getting daily exercise and nutritious meals a bit easier. 

Though we know not every season of life lends itself to getting a perfect eight hours each night, making rest a priority is something you can be intentional about throughout the day. Starting the day with sunlight to set your body’s natural circadian rhythm, practicing good stress management techniques, and creating a calming bedtime routine can all help you maximize your sleep each night.

4. Prioritize regular movement

Studies show that regular exercise—including a combination of aerobic and resistance training—can help improve insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health in women with PCOS. 

Aim for at least 300 minutes of moderate-level exercise (or 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise) each week. If you’re new to exercise, start slow and work your way up. Even a daily, 30-minute walk in nature can build cardiovascular endurance and help support your health, all while giving you some fresh air to boot.

5. Keep stress in check

Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol, which can actually increase androgen levels, worsening symptoms like acne, facial hair, and irregular periods. By focusing on mindfulness practices and stress management, you can potentially reduce excess-androgen symptoms of the condition. 

You might try starting a gratitude practice or committing to daily expressive writing, which involves writing through your difficult issues or emotions. Writing for just 15 minutes a day for up to four days has been shown to boost the immune system, and both physical and emotional well-being. 

Finding Hope in Your PMOS Journey 

One of our founders, Allison, was once told she would never conceive naturally due to PMOS. Yet after plenty of misdiagnoses and failed treatments, she went to her Aunt Marilee’s house for a couple of months and experienced the power of removal! Her condition completely turned around and she ultimately went on to have four naturally conceived children. 

Her story is a reminder that a diagnosis is not an end-all-be-all. Every PMOS journey is unique, and while there may be challenges along the way, there is also a reason for hope! By working with trusted healthcare providers, staying informed, and advocating for yourself, it is possible to find an approach that fits your health goals and helps you thrive.

Listen to more of Allison’s  story here.