# PCOS (now PMOS): the friendly guide > Irregular periods, spots, hair changes? Here is what this common condition really is. Category: Conditions · 6 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026 URL: https://splash.care/learn/conditions/pcos ## Quick answer PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome, now being renamed PMOS) is a common hormone condition that can cause irregular or missed periods, excess hair growth, acne and difficulty getting pregnant. It is diagnosed by a doctor using your symptoms, blood tests and sometimes a scan. Lifestyle changes and medicines can help manage it. - PCOS (now also called PMOS) is common and often undiagnosed. - Irregular periods, acne and hair changes are classic signs. - In adults, irregular cycles plus high-androgen signs can be enough to diagnose, with no scan needed. - There is no cure, but many treatments exist. Many people with PCOS do get pregnant. Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common [hormone](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/hormones-explained) conditions in people with ovaries. The NHS now calls it [PMOS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/pmos) (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome), a name that better reflects that it is about hormones and metabolism, not just ovaries. You will still see “[PCOS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/pcos)” everywhere, so we use both. **10 to 13%** of reproductive-aged women are estimated to have PCOS (WHO) **Up to 70%** of people with PCOS worldwide do not know they have it (WHO) ## What are the signs of PCOS? - [Irregular periods](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/irregular-cycles) or long gaps between them - Extra hair on the face or body, or thinning scalp hair - Oily skin and [acne](https://splash.care/learn/body-literacy/acne-skin) - Weight gain or finding it hard to lose weight - Difficulty getting [pregnant](https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/early-pregnancy-signs) - Tiredness, [low mood](https://splash.care/learn/mind-mood/why-mood-shifts) or anxiety - Dark, thick skin patches on the neck or armpits Signs usually start around puberty and range from barely-there to very noticeable. They can change over time. Higher [Androgens](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/androgens) and [Insulin resistance](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#insulin-resistance) drive many of them. It often runs in families, and the NHS says it is more common if you are from an Asian background. It does not go away at [menopause](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/menopause), though some signs change. **Myth:** PCOS means your ovaries are full of cysts. **Fact:** The “cysts” are actually small follicles (developing eggs) that have not been released. You can have PCOS without them, and having them on a scan does not mean you have PCOS. **Myth:** If you have PCOS you cannot get pregnant. **Fact:** PCOS is a common cause of fertility difficulty, but many people with it conceive, sometimes with help such as medicine to trigger ovulation. You can also get pregnant without having periods, so if you do not want to, you need contraception. ## How is PCOS diagnosed? A GP will ask about your periods and symptoms and arrange blood tests. The 2023 international guideline says that in adults, irregular cycles plus signs of high androgens (such as extra hair, or a raised testosterone blood result) are enough for a diagnosis, with no scan needed, once other causes (like thyroid problems) are ruled out. If only one of those is present, a scan of the ovaries or, in adults, a blood test called AMH can help. Scans are not recommended for the diagnosis in teenagers, because the ovaries look different at that age. The guideline suggests rechecking later if features are there but criteria are not met. **Quick quiz:** Which statement fits the 2023 PCOS guideline? 1. You must have cysts on a scan 2. Irregular cycles plus high androgen signs can be enough, without a scan 3. Everyone needs an AMH test Answer: Irregular cycles plus high androgen signs can be enough, without a scan. The 2023 guideline says that in adults irregular cycles plus signs of high androgens are enough for diagnosis, after other causes are ruled out. Scans or AMH help only when one feature is missing. ## How is PCOS managed? There is no cure, but symptoms are very treatable. Options include the combined pill or [progestogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/progestogen) to regulate bleeding and protect the womb lining, treatments for acne and unwanted hair, metformin, fertility medicines, and talking therapy for low mood. Staying active and eating a balanced diet help many people, whatever their size. The next article looks at the treatment options in more detail. > **Splash says:** irregular cycles are exactly what Splash is great at spotting. Keep logging even when your period is AWOL; the gaps are useful data too. ### When to see a doctor See a GP if your periods are irregular or absent, you have new hair growth or hair loss, persistent acne, or you are struggling to get pregnant. PCOS is linked with a higher chance of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, low mood and anxiety, so regular check-ups matter. If you go three months or more without a period, ask about protecting your womb lining. Tell a GP urgently about sudden severe pelvic pain. ## Questions people ask ### Why is PCOS being renamed PMOS? Experts agreed that “polycystic ovary syndrome” is misleading, because the condition is about hormones and metabolism, not cysts. The new name, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), is being phased in over the next few years, so you will see both names for a while. ### Can I have PCOS with regular periods? Yes, some people do. Diagnosis looks at more than periods, including signs of high androgens and sometimes an ultrasound. Talk to a GP if you have other symptoms. ## Sources 1. [NHS: Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polyendocrine-metabolic-ovarian-syndrome-pmos/) 2. [WHO: Polycystic ovary syndrome fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome) 3. [2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for PCOS (Teede et al., Human Reproduction)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10477934/) 4. [RCOG: PCOS and what it means for your long-term health](https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-what-it-means-for-your-long-term-health/) 5. [Verity (UK PCOS charity)](https://www.verity-pcos.org.uk/) This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).