PMOS And Fertility Challenges: Doctors Highlight The Importance Of Early Diagnosis And Timely Care.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, 24th of September, 2026 : As September marks PMOS Awareness Month, specialists at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru, are highlighting the impact of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) on ovulation and fertility. While irregular menstrual cycles are a common clinical feature, underlying ovulatory dysfunction can make conception more difficult for some women. Doctors emphasise that early diagnosis and timely fertility assessment can help identify the cause of anovulation and guide appropriate treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was formally renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) in May 2026. The new name reflects that the condition is a multisystem endocrine and metabolic disorder; affecting weight, hormones, skin, and reproductive health, rather than one defined primarily by ovarian cysts. According to WHO estimates, the condition (recorded under the earlier PCOS terminology) affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age globally, with up to 70% of cases going undiagnosed, making it one of the leading causes of anovulation and infertility. Irregular or absent periods remain one of the more visible signs of possible ovulatory dysfunction, but they’re not the only one: some women continue to have periods at fairly regular intervals while still failing to ovulate consistently. Assessing ovulatory function directly, not just menstrual regularity, is an important part of fertility evaluation.

In India, 56.6% of women with PMOS have been reported to experience mental health concerns, including depression (40%) and mood disorders (16.6%), with factors such as hirsutism, treatment-related concerns and fertility-related stress contributing to the psychological burden. This broader impact underscores the importance of recognising PMOS beyond its reproductive symptoms and ensuring timely, comprehensive diagnosis and management. Nearly 85% of Indian patients had consulted multiple doctors before receiving a clear explanation of their condition, further highlighting the need for greater awareness and appropriate evaluation. This condition can have broader metabolic and emotional implications, particularly among South Asian women, who experience higher rates of PMOS and obesity and may develop metabolic complications at lower body weights than typically observed in Western populations.

Dr Sunitha Sreedhar, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “Irregular periods in a woman with PMOS should not be viewed only as a menstrual concern, particularly when pregnancy is being planned. They can indicate that ovulation is occurring infrequently or not at all. Evaluating ovulation, along with the relevant hormonal and metabolic factors, helps determine whether PMOS is affecting fertility and allows treatment to be planned accordingly. Early evaluation is especially important when menstrual irregularities have been persistent.”

Once ovulatory dysfunction is identified, fertility management is tailored to the woman’s age, ovarian function, metabolic health, duration of infertility and other factors that may affect conception. Initial management may include lifestyle measures and treatment of associated metabolic or hormonal abnormalities, followed by ovulation induction when appropriate. If pregnancy does not occur despite appropriate treatment, assisted reproductive techniques such as IUI or IVF may be considered. In selected women with treatment-resistant anovulatory PMOS, laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be considered, although it is not a first-line treatment.

Dr Sreedhar further added, “The diagnosis of PMOS does not by itself determine a woman’s fertility outcome. The important step is to establish whether they are ovulating regularly and whether other factors are contributing to difficulty conceiving. Treatment can then be progressed according to the individual response, beginning with medical management and moving to assisted reproductive options where clinically indicated. Surgical intervention has a limited role and should be reserved for carefully selected patients.”

Doctors recommend that women seek medical evaluation if they experience persistently irregular or absent periods, prolonged menstrual cycles or difficulty conceiving. Evaluation may include assessment of ovulation, hormonal parameters, ovarian reserve and metabolic factors. Depending on the clinical history, doctors may also evaluate the fallopian tubes and male partner to identify other factors that could contribute to infertility.

Specialists recommend:

• Seek evaluation for persistent irregular or absent periods to identify potential ovulatory concerns early.
• Assess ovulation in women with PMOS who are planning pregnancy.
• Evaluate associated hormonal and metabolic factors.
• Begin treatment according to the underlying cause of anovulation and the individual fertility profile.
• Consider ovulation induction, IUI or IVF when clinically indicated.
• Reserve laparoscopic ovarian drilling for selected cases of treatment-resistant anovulatory PMOS.

PMOS can affect fertility primarily by disrupting regular ovulation, but a diagnosis does not necessarily mean infertility. Recognising persistent menstrual irregularities, confirming ovulatory function and addressing associated factors early can help women receive appropriate fertility care without prolonged delays.

About Apollo Spectra

Apollo Spectra Hospitals Bengaluru, part of the Apollo Spectra Hospitals Group, is a leading multi-speciality healthcare provider offering advanced surgical care and personalised treatment. The hospital specialises in minimally invasive and day-care procedures across key specialities, including gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopaedics, urology, ENT, and bariatric surgery. Equipped with advanced medical technology and supported by experienced specialists and dedicated patient care programmes, Apollo Spectra focuses on delivering efficient treatment and faster recovery. Its day-care model enables patients to receive high-quality medical care without the need for overnight hospital stays, ensuring greater convenience and comfort.