Does My Teenager Have Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) ?
This is a topic that comes up in clinic often — “Does my teenager have Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)?”
As a parent, noticing changes in your teenager’s health can be concerning, especially when it comes to their reproductive and hormonal health. One condition that can affect adolescent girls is Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously referred to as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Understanding PMOS is important for recognising potential signs early and ensuring your teenager receives the appropriate support for their hormonal, metabolic and reproductive health.
What is PMOS?
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect girls and women during their reproductive years. It can be associated with symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excessive hair growth, changes in weight and difficulty managing blood sugar and insulin levels.
Although PMOS is often discussed in relation to adult women, signs can also become apparent during the teenage years. However, diagnosing hormonal conditions in adolescents requires particular care because some menstrual and hormonal changes are a normal part of puberty.
Recognising the Symptoms
Identifying PMOS in teenagers involves looking at the overall pattern of symptoms rather than one symptom in isolation. Some signs to be aware of include:
Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Teens may experience infrequent, prolonged or unpredictable periods. Some irregularity is normal during the early years after menstruation begins, so the timing and pattern of the menstrual cycle are important when assessing hormonal health.
Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Coarse or dark hair growth on areas such as the face, chest, abdomen or back can be associated with increased androgen activity.
Acne and Oily Skin: Hormonal changes and increased androgen activity can contribute to persistent or more severe acne and oily skin, which can also affect confidence and self-esteem.
Weight Gain and Difficulty Losing Weight: Some teenagers with PMOS may experience weight gain or difficulty losing weight, particularly when insulin resistance or changes in blood sugar regulation are present.
Thinning Hair: Some girls may experience thinning of the hair on the scalp, which can be associated with increased androgen activity.
Mood Changes: Anxiety, low mood and changes in emotional wellbeing can occur alongside hormonal and metabolic changes and may also be influenced by the emotional impact of symptoms such as acne, weight changes or unwanted hair growth.
Understanding the Importance of Early Assessment
Early assessment can be helpful when a teenager is experiencing several of these symptoms. Addressing hormonal and metabolic health early may help reduce the risk of longer-term health concerns and provide support for menstrual health, metabolic health and future reproductive health.
Diagnosing PMOS in teenagers is different from diagnosing it in adults and requires consideration of your teenager’s age, stage of puberty, menstrual history, symptoms and hormonal status.
Blood tests may be recommended to assess hormone levels and metabolic health. An ultrasound is generally not sufficient on its own to diagnose PMOS in teenagers, as changes in the ovaries can be a normal part of adolescence.
Supporting Your Teenager
If your teenager is experiencing symptoms associated with PMOS, it is important to approach the situation with understanding and without focusing solely on weight or appearance.
Educate Yourself
Learning about hormonal and metabolic health can help you understand what your teenager is experiencing and support them without creating unnecessary anxiety.
Promote Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Encourage regular meals, nourishing whole foods, adequate protein, movement, good sleep and healthy blood-sugar regulation. These habits can support hormonal and metabolic health without placing an emphasis on restrictive dieting.
Seek Professional Support
Working with appropriate healthcare professionals can help identify the underlying factors contributing to your teenager’s symptoms and develop an individualised plan for their needs.
Foster Open Communication
Encourage your teenager to talk openly about their periods, skin, body changes, mood and any concerns they may have. Creating a safe and supportive environment can make it much easier for them to seek help.
Discover More in Our E-Book
If you’re looking for more detailed information about Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously referred to as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), including symptoms, assessment, treatment options and emotional support, be sure to check out my e-book on PMOS and teenagers.
It provides practical information to help parents understand the changes their teenager may be experiencing and how to support their health and wellbeing.
What Next?
Recognising changes in your teenager’s menstrual cycle, skin, hair growth, weight or mood is an important first step.
While these symptoms do not necessarily mean your teenager has PMOS, they may be worth discussing with a qualified healthcare professional, particularly when several symptoms occur together.
With the right assessment and support, you can help your teenager understand their body, support healthy hormonal development and feel more confident about their health.
Book an appointment to discuss your teen’s health and wellbeing.