Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect ovulation, menstrual cycles and fertility.

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, impacting around an estimated 10% of reproductive age women. Yet many people only discover they have it when they start trying for a baby.

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At Child Fertility, our specialists provide world-class diagnosis and treatment for PMOS, helping women across Saudi Arabia restore balance to their reproductive health and achieve their goal of parenthood.

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What is PMOS?What causes PMOS?PMOS (PCOS) & Fertility Explained | Child Fertility Symptoms of PMOS Can you get pregnant with PMOS?PMOS treatment options FAQ

What is PMOS?

PMOS is a condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. It’s linked to hormonal imbalance, where higher levels of certain hormones can interfere with ovulation.

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It is defined by at least two of the following three features:

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Irregular or absent periods

Meaning the ovaries do not regularly release an egg.

High levels of androgen hormones

Which can cause symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, or hair thinning.

Polycystic ovaries

Where, on ultrasound scan, the ovaries are seen to be enlarged and contain many small fluid-filled sacs or follicles.

Not all women with PMOS have all three features, and the condition can vary widely in how it affects each person.

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What causes PMOS?

PMOS occurs due to a combination of hormonal, genetic, and metabolic factors. These imbalances can disrupt ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive. Common contributing factors include:

Hormonal imbalance - Elevated levels of androgens can interfere with the normal release of eggs from the ovaries.
Insulin resistance - Can worsen hormone levels and reduce ovulation frequency.
Genetic predisposition - PMOS often runs in families.
Lifestyle factors - Obesity or poor metabolic health can impact hormonal balance and ovulation.

By addressing these factors, fertility specialists can help restore regular ovulation and improve chances of conception.

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PMOS (PCOS) & Fertility Explained | Child Fertility

PMOS is the most common hormonal condition affecting women, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. Professor Tim Child explains the three diagnostic criteria (Rotterdam), the symptoms, and the full treatment ladder available at Child Fertility, Riyadh.

Symptoms of PMOS

Many women live with PMOS for years without knowing it.

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Common symptoms include:

Infrequent, irregular, or absent periods.
Difficulty getting pregnant.
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Oily skin or acne
Excess hair growth on the face or body
Thinning hair on the scalp

If you recognise some of these signs, an assessment can diagnose PMOS. Identifying PMOS early helps tailor your fertility treatment, managing symptoms, and increasing your chances of conception.

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At Child Fertility, to provide a clear and comprehensive diagnosis, we use advanced diagnostic tools, including hormone profiling, pelvic ultrasound, and metabolic screening. Our testing protocols are based on the latest research from Oxford and the UK, ensuring precision and accuracy at every step.

Can you get pregnant with PMOS?

Many women with PMOS go on to conceive successfully, either naturally or with fertility treatment.

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PMOS often causes irregular ovulation, which means there are fewer chances each year to conceive. However, the number and quality of eggs are often normal, meaning with the right support, the outlook is very positive.

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Our team at Child Fertility focuses on optimising your natural cycle and, where needed, using targeted fertility treatments to support ovulation and embryo development.

PMOS treatment options

While PMOS cannot be cured, it can be managed to restore hormonal balance and optimise fertility. The right approach depends on your individual symptoms, fertility goals, and stage of life.

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Because ovaries affected by PMOS can be highly sensitive to stimulation, our specialists at Child Fertility design personalised treatment plans to ensure your response is both safe and effective. Every aspect of care is planned around you.

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Your personalised plan may include:

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Lifestyle and nutritional optimisation

Subtle, sustainable adjustments to nutrition and activity can support hormonal balance and improve natural ovulation. Weight-loss drugs can also have an important role.

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Ovulation induction medication

Carefully prescribed treatments using tablets such as letrozole or clomifene, or the injection of FSH, can encourage the ovaries to release an egg more regularly. Ovulation is followed by timed intercourse or intra-uterine insemination (IUI) treatment.

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Advanced fertility treatments

For those who require assisted conception, IVF or ICSI may offer the highest and fastest chance of success. At Child Fertility, these are delivered using our state-of-the-art technology, offering outcomes that set new standards in the region.

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Every treatment plan at Child Fertility is uniquely designed and personally overseen by our team of Oxford-trained specialists, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care and the very best possible outcome.

PMOS is just one factor that can affect female fertility. To learn more about female reproductive health and fertility, visit our Female Fertility page.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get pregnant with PMOS?

Yes. Many women conceive naturally. Fertility treatments like ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF can further increase your chances.

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Does PMOS always cause infertility?

2No. While PMOS can reduce the frequency of ovulation, most women still have normal egg quality. Individual assessment determines the best approach.

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What treatments are available for PMOS?

Treatment is personalised and may include lifestyle adjustments, ovulation induction medications, and advanced fertility treatments such as IVF or ICSI.

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Does weight affect PMOS fertility?

Yes. Maintaining a healthy weight can improve ovulation and increase the effectiveness of fertility treatments.

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Can PMOS be cured?

PMOS cannot be completely cured, but it can be managed effectively with the right combination of medical care, lifestyle changes, and fertility treatments.

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Take the first step

If you’re concerned about symptoms of PMOS, or have been trying to conceive without success, we can help.

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Our team will guide you through diagnosis and design a treatment plan tailored to your body, your goals, and your journey to parenthood.

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