PMOS - Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine support in Amsterdam
A new name for a familiar condition
In May 2026, after more than a decade of global consultation involving thousands of patients and health professionals across the globe, PCOS was officially renamed PMOS - polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. The new name better reflects what the condition actually is: a complex, whole-body hormonal and metabolic disorder, not simply a problem with the ovaries. If you have a PCOS diagnosis, your condition has not changed. The name has. The diagnostic criteria remain the same, and the transition to the new name will happen gradually over the coming years.
What is PMOS?
PMOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age, affecting an estimated 1 in 8 women during their reproductive years. It is frequently misunderstood and often managed with limited options that address individual symptoms without looking at the full picture.
Common symptoms
PMOS affects women very differently. Common experiences include:
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Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods
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Difficulty conceiving
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Acne or oily skin
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Unwanted facial or body hair
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Hair thinning
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Weight changes or difficulty managing weight
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Fatigue and low energy
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Mood changes, anxiety, or low mood
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Insulin resistance
Not every woman with PCOS has all of these symptoms - the condition looks different in every person.
Cause of PMOS
For a long time, PMOS was seen mainly as an ovarian or reproductive condition. We now know it is much more than that - it involves multiple hormonal systems working together, including insulin, androgens, and the hormones that regulate the ovaries and the brain. This is why it affects so many different parts of the body.
PMOS and fertility
PMOS is one of the leading causes of irregular ovulation and difficulty conceiving. For women trying to conceive, supporting cycle regularity and ovulation is often a central part of treatment, alongside natural conception attempts or integrated with IVF or IUI.
Chinese medicine approach
Chinese medicine does not treat PMOS as a single fixed condition - because it never was one. The pattern behind PMOS varies from woman to woman. Common patterns include excess dampness and phlegm, Qi and blood stagnation, and Kidney deficiency. But as with all conditions in Chinese medicine, the approach is always individual.
With acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance, the aim is to support the body's own regulatory capacity, so that the cycle can gradually become more regular and associated symptoms can ease. Chinese medicine can be safely combined with conventional PMOS management, including hormonal contraception.
Curious whether Chinese medicine could support you?
You're welcome to book a free 20-minute introductory call.