Women living with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome in the United Kingdom could soon receive annual health reviews under new draft guidance aimed at improving diagnosis and long-term care of the condition, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
The recommendation comes from NICE, which says regular monitoring would help doctors identify and manage the wider health complications linked to PMOS, a condition affecting roughly one in eight women.
Formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome, the condition was renamed in May to better reflect its effects on multiple systems throughout the body rather than solely the ovaries.
NICE said PMOS remains significantly under-diagnosed and is often managed inconsistently, despite an estimated three to four million women in the UK living with the condition.
The organisation is also calling for quicker diagnosis and more comprehensive follow-up care.
PMOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility and is associated with a range of symptoms, including irregular or absent menstrual cycles, difficulty conceiving, excessive facial and body hair growth, weight gain, hair thinning on the scalp, acne and oily skin.
Under the proposed guidance, annual assessments would extend beyond symptom management to include screening for longer-term health risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
NICE said early intervention, including lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment, could reduce the likelihood of more serious complications.
While there is currently no cure for PMOS, the NHS offers several treatment options to help manage symptoms, including hormone-based therapies and fertility medications.
The draft guidance also advises against routine use of laser and light-based hair reduction treatments because of cost concerns.
The proposals come as many women continue to report lengthy delays before receiving a diagnosis.
Kelis Bailey, 21, said she began experiencing symptoms during her teenage years but spent about a year seeking answers before PMOS was confirmed.
“When it was at its worst, my mental health was also at its worst,” she says.
“When I went to the doctor one time, she had never heard of [PMOS] which I was quite shocked at.”
Bailey welcomed the recommendation for yearly reviews, describing them as a positive development that could provide reassurance to patients.
However, she stressed that greater public and professional awareness of the condition remains essential.
Doctors investigating suspected PMOS may use hormone blood tests and ultrasound scans to identify the multiple ovarian follicles commonly associated with the disorder.
The draft guideline outlines when clinicians should suspect PMOS, how patients should be assessed and the criteria for diagnosis.
It also notes that the condition should not be ruled out solely because a woman has gone through menopause.
NICE further highlighted evidence suggesting PMOS may be more common among women of Black, Asian and mixed ethnic backgrounds, urging healthcare professionals to consider this when evaluating symptoms.
The guidance also recognises the significant emotional burden many women experience, noting that depression and anxiety frequently accompany the condition and can affect overall quality of life.
For women planning a pregnancy, NICE recommends support focused on weight management, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental wellbeing.
Marie Anne Ledingham, consultant clinical advisor for women’s and reproductive health at NICE, said recommending a “simple” annual review was an “important step”.
“This new guideline will help improve consistency of care, increase awareness of the condition, and support earlier diagnosis and management.”
The draft guidance is open for public consultation from July 1 to August 11, 2026, with NICE inviting responses from healthcare professionals, patients and members of the public before the recommendations are finalised.
