KARACHI: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has urged women to view Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), as a whole-body health condition rather than solely a fertility-related issue.
Marking PMOS Awareness Month in September, AKUH organised a media roundtable titled “PMOS: Beyond Periods and Pregnancy,” bringing together specialists and health journalists to discuss the hormonal disorder, its diagnosis, management and long-term health implications.
According to information shared at the roundtable, a 2026 study reported that 48.5 per cent of women in Pakistan suffer from PMOS. Experts said the condition, previously known as PCOS, was proposed to be renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome in 2026 following a consensus led by reproductive and endocrine experts, with the new terminology intended to give greater emphasis to its metabolic and hormonal aspects.
Specialists challenged the widespread perception that PMOS is primarily an infertility problem, saying the condition can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, weight, skin and emotional well-being. It is also associated with longer-term health risks, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and depression.
The experts cautioned against self-diagnosis, stressing that irregular periods do not necessarily indicate PMOS and that the condition cannot be diagnosed on the basis of an ultrasound alone. They also highlighted that PMOS is not limited to women who are overweight, noting that lean women, particularly in South Asian populations, may also develop the condition.
They emphasised that an accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive medical assessment involving detailed medical history, clinical examination and appropriate investigations rather than relying on information available online.
The roundtable also highlighted the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes, balanced nutrition and regular physical activity in managing PMOS. Experts said early medical attention could help reduce longer-term health risks, while treatment should be personalised according to each woman’s symptoms, health needs and goals.
The psychological impact of PMOS also came under discussion, with specialists noting that acne, unwanted hair growth, changes in weight and concerns about fertility can adversely affect confidence and mental well-being and should therefore be addressed as part of comprehensive care.
“For too long, PMOS has been seen only as a fertility problem, and that narrow view has done women a disservice. The condition touches almost every part of a woman’s health, from her hormones and her weight to her heart and her state of mind. When we catch it early and treat the whole person, women do remarkably well,” said Dr Asma Ahmed, Consultant Endocrinologist at AKUH.
Dr Sumaira Naz, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AKUH, said one of the most common mistakes was women diagnosing themselves online or ignoring symptoms because of embarrassment.
“Irregular periods, unexplained weight gain or persistent acne are worth a conversation with a doctor, not a search on the internet. There is no single cure, but with the right guidance most women can manage PMOS and live full, healthy lives,” she said.
AKUH said the media roundtable formed part of its continuing efforts to improve public understanding of women’s health and encourage women to seek timely and credible medical advice.
