PMOS: a syndrome that does not stop at the ovaries

The Ministry of Health has issued a warning about a common hormonal disorder among women known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which has been renamed Polymorphic Endocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect its broader impact on health. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 13 percent of women of reproductive age are affected by this condition, meaning approximately 40,000 women in Slovenia alone. This figure suggests that a significant portion of the female population could face increased risks for cardiovascular diseases. The renaming of PCOS to PMOS aims to clarify that the syndrome extends beyond the ovaries, involving hormonal imbalances, metabolic changes, and issues with the reproductive system. A recent study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health found that women with PMOS have nearly four times the risk of developing heart or artery disease compared to those without the condition. Over a ten-year period, about 12 percent of women with PMOS developed such conditions, while only around 4 percent of those without the syndrome did. The study also noted that the risk was significantly higher even after accounting for other contributing factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Women aged 30 to 49 years were particularly at risk, with elevated chances of experiencing heart attacks, ischemic strokes, and peripheral arterial disease. These findings underscore the need to view PMOS not just as a reproductive issue but as a potential precursor to serious long-term health complications. The old name, “polycystic,” often led to misconceptions that the primary concern was ovarian cysts. In reality, the condition involves multiple follicles rather than classical cysts, and diagnosis can occur even when the ovaries appear normal externally. The new designation emphasizes three key aspects of the syndrome: endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian. It highlights the hormonal imbalance, connections with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, body weight, and other metabolic changes, as well as its effects on ovulation, menstruation, and fertility. Understanding these dimensions helps healthcare providers offer more comprehensive care and early interventions. For women diagnosed with PMOS, regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and body weight is crucial. Lifestyle modifications play a vital role in managing the condition. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, along with a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and unsaturated fats. Quality sleep and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also advised. This shift in understanding PMOS reflects a growing awareness of how chronic conditions can affect multiple systems within the body. While the diagnosis does not guarantee heart disease or stroke, it serves as an important indicator for maintaining cardiovascular health. As research continues to uncover the complexities of PMOS, the focus remains on prevention, early detection, and holistic management strategies to improve long-term outcomes for affected individuals.