Confused woman with short hair and beige sweater. Discover how functional medicine in Orland Park, IL can help you heal from your PMOS symptoms.

Chances are, you’ve seen the headlines: PCOS has a new name. That’s right, PCOS is now polyendocrine metabolic disorder, or PMOS for short.

While the rename may seem sudden, it’s been a long time coming. For decades, physicians and patients have voiced concerns over the name polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). They said it was inaccurate and confusing – and as a functional medicine doctor, I, for one, have to agree.

Since September is PCOS Awareness Month (or should I say PMOS Awareness Month), it seemed like the perfect time to address the name change head-on. Read on as I unpack what led to the rename and what it means through a functional medicine lens at Anchored in Health.

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Why Did PCOS Change to PMOS?

Confused woman with a long braid wearing a blue collared shirt holding her hands out. Learn why your PMOS symptoms are disrupting your life and how functional medicine in Orland Park, IL can fix them.

In short? Because the name polycystic ovary syndrome is misleading. It implies cysts are the main issue. But it’s way more complex than that.

PCOS is a health condition that affects 1 in 8 women of childbearing age.¹ It’s one of the most common hormonal disorders for women and one of the leading causes of infertility.

Yet up to 70% of women affected by PCOS remain undiagnosed.¹ For years, many wondered if the name was part of the problem. Many health professionals felt the name was confusing, leading many women to suffer in silence.

This spurred an international mandate for a name change. Fifty-six health organizations teamed up to choose a name that more accurately described the condition. They surveyed over 14,000 people, including health professionals and PCOS patients.

Once they settled on a new name, the journal The Lancet broke the news, and it became official. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is now polyendocrine metabolic syndrome (PMOS).

Why the Old Name Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

Woman in white underwear holding two red carnations. With the support of a functional medicine doctor in Orland Park, IL you can begin to manage your PMOS symptoms in healthy ways.

The name polycystic ovary syndrome oversimplifies the condition. It makes it seem like ovarian cysts are the main culprit.

The problem? Not all women with the condition have cysts. And many women with ovarian cysts don’t have PCOS. Not to mention, the “cysts” that come with PCOS aren’t actually true cysts. They’re immature follicles: fluid-filled sacs that house immature eggs.²

Still, 85% of patients and 62% of physicians associate ovarian cysts with the disorder.² This mismatch has led to a lot of confusion and likely a good share of missed or delayed diagnoses.

The reality is that PMOS is a complex condition that affects way more than just your reproductive system. It affects your entire body.

PMOS Symptoms

PMOS symptoms run the gamut and may include:

Fatigue
Irregular cycles
Anovulation (missed ovulation)
Infertility
Acne or oily skin
Skin tags on the armpits or neck
Weight gain
Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)
Thinning hair or male pattern baldness
Blood sugar issues

The old name kept the focus on the ovaries. When in fact, PMOS is a whole-body condition that affects many interconnected systems.

What’s Really Going on in Your Body

Every word in the new name was chosen intentionally. And once you break it down, it explains way more about what’s happening than “polycystic ovary syndrome” ever did.

Polyendocrine

Polyendocrine means multiple hormones are involved, not just the ones tied to your ovaries. Insulin, androgens (e.g., testosterone), and cortisol can all play a role. That’s why symptoms affect multiple systems in your body. For some, that could look like irregular periods and excess facial hair. For others, it might show up as weight gain, acne, or fertility issues.

Metabolic

Metabolic points to something researchers have known for a while. PMOS has close ties to insulin resistance, blood sugar issues, and an increased cardiovascular risk. In fact, insulin resistance shows up in up to 80% of women with PMOS, even those who aren’t overweight.³

Ovarian

Yes, the ovaries still get a shout-out in the new name. But they’re just not the main focus. Just one piece of a much bigger picture.

So what’s really driving all this? Scientists aren’t entirely sure. But several root causes tend to show up again and again, including:

Insulin resistance
High levels of androgens (male hormones like testosterone)
Low-grade inflammation
Gut imbalances
Chronic stress and high cortisol
Genetics
Environmental exposure (e.g., endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA)

Like most chronic conditions, often there’s more than one root cause at play.

This is where functional medicine can help. It looks at the underlying factors driving symptoms like acne, weight gain, or irregular cycles, rather than treating them in isolation.

Why the Name Change Matters for You

Smiling woman wearing a doctors white coat and stethoscope holding a clipboard and talking to another woman while standing in front of a pink wall. With a supportive a functional medicine doctor, you can discover the root cause behind your PMOS symptoms.

If you already have a PCOS diagnosis, you might be wondering what this means for you. The short answer is your diagnosis stands. Your care can still move forward as usual.

That’s because the diagnostic criteria haven’t changed. Doctors still look for the same three things: irregular periods, high androgen levels, and certain follicle patterns on an ultrasound.

But the name change does come with some real benefits, including:

Broader screening: Doctors are now more likely to check blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol, not just reproductive hormones.
More comprehensive care: Since the condition is recognized as whole-body, you may find endocrinologists and other specialists involved in your care, not just your OB-GYN. Many women are also turning to functional medicine doctors to look at the root causes behind their symptoms.
Earlier diagnosis: The hope is that a more accurate name and increased awareness may help catch cases that used to slip through the cracks. Remember, 70% of women with PMOS go undiagnosed.

How Does Functional Medicine Approach PMOS Treatment?

Most PMOS treatment plans focus on symptoms. In contrast, functional medicine focuses on the root causes. That means looking for the underlying imbalances driving PMOS symptoms in the first place.

Woman holding a knife chopping up broccoli on a wooden cutting board. Get root cause support for your PMOS with functional medicine in Orland Park, IL.

Diet

Food choices have a huge impact on insulin and blood sugar. A diet built around whole foods, fiber, and protein can help steady both. This can help ease symptoms like weight gain and irregular cycles.

Movement

Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar balance.⁴ It helps pull glucose into your muscles and out of your bloodstream. And the workouts don’t need to be intense. Even a simple daily walk can make a difference.

Weight management

For women with PMOS who are overweight, even a small amount of weight loss can help. Studies show that losing just 5% of weight can help restore ovulation and ease other PMOS symptoms.⁵ Even that small shift can help reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, two main drivers of PMOS.

Stress management

Chronic stress raises cortisol, and high cortisol can make PMOS symptoms worse. Simple habits like better sleep, breathwork, vagus nerve exercises, and time outdoors can help bring cortisol down.

Gut health

An unhealthy gut can fuel inflammation throughout your body. This can worsen insulin resistance and fuel excess androgen production. Fiber-rich foods, fermented foods like yogurt or sauerkraut, and reducing processed foods can all help support a healthier gut. For chronic gut issues, targeted testing can help pinpoint what’s going on.

FAQs

Is PMOS the same condition as PCOS?

Yes. PMOS is just the updated name for PCOS. The condition itself hasn’t changed. The new name just does a better job describing what’s actually going on in your body.

Is PMOS reversible?

Symptoms can improve a lot with the right approach. Many women notice positive shifts in their cycles, skin, hair, and energy once the root causes are addressed. That said, PMOS is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care.

What kind of testing does functional medicine use for PMOS?

Functional medicine often starts with hormone and metabolic testing, like a DUTCH test, to find what’s driving your symptoms. This may include cortisol and androgen levels, along with blood work to check blood sugar and insulin.

Get Root Cause Support for PMOS with Functional Medicine in Orland Park, IL

The name PCOS is being retired for a reason. PMOS finally captures what this condition actually involves: hormones, metabolism, and your entire body, not just your ovaries. This shift opens the door to a fuller, more accurate assessment of your health.

And that’s exactly what functional medicine in Orland Park, IL offers. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, at Anchored in Health, we look at the root causes behind them, whether that’s insulin resistance, inflammation, gut health, or stress.

Live in the Orland Park or Chicago area and looking for support to manage your PMOS symptoms? Here’s how to get started:

Contact us with any questions.
Schedule your consultation with a functional medicine doctor in Orland Park, IL.
Get a personalized plan to help ease PMOS symptoms naturally!

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Other Holistic Health Services Offered at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL

At Anchored in Health, functional medicine isn’t all we do. We provide a variety of services to support whole-body health. This includes chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and the Shape ReClaimed program. We also offer genetic testing, thermography, Vibrant Wellness testing, and DUTCH testing to help identify the root causes behind stubborn health issues. If you live near Orland Park and are ready to take a more holistic approach to PMOS care, reach out to us today!

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Reading this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship between you and Anchored In Health or any of its practitioners. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.

About the Author

Dr. Cindy Jakubiec is the founder of Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL, a whole-body wellness practice built on the belief that your symptoms deserve real answers, not just a diagnosis and a prescription. With over two decades of clinical experience and advanced training through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), Dr. Cindy has a deep understanding of complex hormonal conditions like PMOS and the interconnected systems that drive them.

As a functional medicine doctor, Dr. Cindy goes beyond the standard lab work to look at the full hormonal and metabolic picture: insulin resistance, cortisol, gut health, androgens, and more. For her patients navigating PMOS, that means a personalized care plan that addresses what’s actually driving their symptoms rather than simply managing them.

If you’ve been told your labs are normal, but something still feels off, or you’re looking for a root-cause approach to your PMOS care, Dr. Cindy would love to help. Schedule your appointment at Anchored in Health today.

PCOS is Now PMOS: A Functional Medicine Look Behind the Name Change