The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has issued new draft guidance recommending an annual review for women diagnosed with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. The condition, which affects about one in eight women, was recently renamed from polycystic ovary syndrome to better reflect its hormonal and metabolic pathways.
The guideline states the annual assessment should evaluate symptoms like menstrual irregularities and excess hair growth, alongside the risk for long-term conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. NICE emphasizes that PMOS should not be discounted in menopausal women and notes a potentially higher prevalence among women of Black, Asian, and Mixed ethnicity.
The guidance also addresses the condition's significant impact on mental health, recommending that depression and anxiety not be dismissed as solely weight-related. For fertility planning, it advises on lifestyle factors and confirms IVF should be offered to those who meet criteria.
This draft guidance is open for public consultation until August 11, 2026, with a final guideline expected in December.