Women with irregular periods should be checked for PMOS, NHS says

Up to 4 million women with irregular periods should be investigated for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, according to new NHS guidance.

PMOS, previously known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, is believed to affect up to 13% of reproductive age women, the World Health Organization estimates.

Symptoms include irregular, very short, long or absent periods, excess levels of testosterone, and ovaries with multiple small follicles.

The condition is associated with greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, fatty liver disease, mental health issues and complications in pregnancy.

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Source: Guardian, 1 July 2026