Why has PCOS been renamed PMOS? An acupuncture and TCM perspective
Have you been dealing with long cycles, irregular or missing periods, or had trouble conceiving? If so, you might have heard of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Recently, international medical experts officially changed the name of this condition to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
While the name is new, the idea behind it is something that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has focused on for thousands of years. The medical community is now recognising that this condition impacts your entire body, not just your ovaries.
What is PMOS?
In June 2026, a major international medical consensus published in The Lancet updated the name to better reflect how the condition actually behaves. Experts noted that viewing it purely as an ovarian or gynaecological issue leaves out the bigger picture. Instead, they confirmed that PMOS is driven by deeper hormonal and metabolic imbalances, including insulin and androgens.
In short, the medical world now agrees that PMOS is a condition that affects more of the body than previously thought.
PMOS affects about 1 in 8 women globally. Around 85% of women with PMOS experience insulin resistance. This means your body struggles to move glucose into your cells effectively, which can cause you to produce too much insulin which then causes your blood sugar to fluctuate.
Because PMOS affects your whole metabolic system, many people look for holistic options, such as acupuncture for PMOS, to support their overall health and well-being alongside their standard medical care.
Common symptoms of PMOS
Because PMOS involves your metabolic and hormonal systems, it can show up differently for everyone. Beyond changes to your period, you might notice:
- acne or oily skin
- hair growing on your face or body where you might prefer it not to
- thinning hair on your head
- unexplained weight gain or fatigue
- changes in your mood.
If you think you might have PMOS, you can get a diagnosis through your GP. They can organise simple blood tests to check your hormone levels and an ultrasound to look at your ovaries.
How acupuncture and Chinese medicine can support you
In my clinic, I do not look at gynaecological health in isolation. I want to understand you as a whole person. When we work together, we look at how your stress levels, digestion, sleep, and lifestyle habits interact.
If you have a PMOS diagnosis, I can design a personalised care plan to support your health journey. My approach includes:
- Acupuncture: This is traditionally used to help manage stress, support local circulation, and encourage general well-being.
- Chinese herbal medicine: I use customised herbal formulas aimed at addressing your specific internal patterns and imbalances.
- Diet and lifestyle support: I work with you to find gentle, practical habits that help manage your energy levels and metabolic health.
I always listen to your story, aim to understand your unique body, and provide supportive care that works safely.
Let’s look after your health together
Navigating a PMOS diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. If you are looking for gentle, holistic support to help manage your symptoms and care for your well-being, I am here to help.
