Getting an accurate PMOS diagnosis ensures you get the right treatment for you

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a common but complex disorder that can cause infertility in women. When you talk to people with this condition, you’ll find there are many variations of PMOS. Each person can experience a different set of symptoms. For these reasons, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome is generally underdiagnosed, and patients who are struggling to conceive may see several doctors before getting a PMOS diagnosis. Our Austin PMOS specialists routinely work with patients to help them get pregnant with PMOS. 

How is PMOS diagnosed? Looking at the diagnostic criteria

The guidelines for making a PMOS diagnosis were recently updated because there is so much variation among patients. According to these new guidelines, a patient has PMOS if any of the following situations apply to them.

• Irregular periods AND symptoms of high testosterone, such as abnormal hair growth, female pattern baldness and acne.
• Irregular periods AND elevated testosterone levels on bloodwork.

Either irregular periods or signs of high testosterone AND the appearance of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (20 or more follicles on either ovary or increased ovarian volume) or elevated AMH level (a hormone produced by early follicles in the ovaries).

Our Austin PMOS specialists use this new set of criteria to make a diagnosis in our patients.

What type of testing can help you get a PMOS diagnosis?

Understanding the diagnostic criteria is just one part of answering the question, “How is PMOS diagnosed?” The second component involves looking at the different types of testing and questions that can help with making a PMOS diagnosis.

When you visit our Austin PMOS specialists and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome is suspected, your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms. Learning about your menstrual cycle and physical symptoms like acne and abnormal hair growth can help with making a diagnosis.

After discussing your symptoms and medical history, you can expect your doctor to perform a physical exam and order diagnostic testing.

It is also important to exclude other diseases that may cause similar symptoms to PMOS. Additionally, PMOS increases the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease, so you may also have other bloodwork like a lipid panel or glucose tolerance test. All these tests come together to provide the full picture of your physical and reproductive health.

If you think you might have infertility caused by PMOS, our team of experts can help you find out for sure. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.