Annual NHS Health Checks Recommended for Women Living with PMOS

Annual NHS Health Checks Recommended for Women Living with PMOS

A leading UK health watchdog is urging the NHS to introduce yearly health reviews for women diagnosed with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), warning that the condition continues to be under-diagnosed and poorly managed despite affecting a significant portion of the female population.

What Is PMOS and Who Does It Affect?

PMOS, formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), was renamed in May to more accurately reflect the wide-ranging effects it has on the body beyond the ovaries alone. The condition affects approximately one in eight women, equating to between three and four million people across the United Kingdom.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body responsible for evaluating NHS treatments, has published draft guidance calling for faster diagnosis, more consistent care, and structured annual monitoring for all women living with the condition.

PMOS is a leading cause of female infertility and presents with a range of symptoms including:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Excessive hair growth on the face and body
• Unexplained weight gain
• Hormonal imbalances

What the New NICE Guidance Recommends

The draft guidelines go beyond simply addressing visible symptoms. NICE is recommending that annual health reviews also assess longer-term risks associated with PMOS, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Experts believe that timely lifestyle interventions and targeted treatment could help prevent these more serious complications from developing.

While there is currently no cure for PMOS, the NHS already provides a range of treatment options to manage its symptoms, including hormone therapies and fertility medications. However, the new guidance makes clear that laser and light-based hair removal therapies should not be offered on the NHS due to their cost implications.

NICE also stresses that PMOS should not be automatically ruled out in women who have gone through the menopause, broadening the scope of who should be assessed for the condition.

Diagnosis and Assessment

When PMOS is suspected, clinicians are advised to use blood tests to measure hormone levels alongside ultrasound imaging to identify the characteristic multiple follicles commonly observed on the ovaries of those affected. The updated guideline sets out clear criteria for when to suspect PMOS, how to carry out a thorough assessment, and how to confirm a diagnosis.

Ethnicity and Mental Health Considerations

NICE highlights that PMOS appears to be more prevalent among women of Black, Asian, and mixed ethnic backgrounds, and advises healthcare professionals to factor this in when evaluating symptoms.

The emotional toll of living with PMOS is also given significant weight in the new guidelines. Depression and anxiety are described as common among those with the condition, and mental health support is flagged as an essential component of comprehensive care. For women planning a pregnancy, personalised guidance on nutrition, weight management, exercise, sleep, and mental wellbeing is strongly recommended.

Women Share Their Experiences

Kelis Bailey, a 21-year-old who began experiencing symptoms as a teenager, described a frustrating journey to diagnosis that lasted over a year. She recalls repeatedly visiting her GP before finally receiving answers.

"When it was at its worst, my mental health was also at its worst," she said. "When I went to the doctor one time, she had never heard of it, which I was quite shocked at."

Kelis welcomed the proposal for annual health checks, describing it as a "really good idea" that would offer reassurance to women navigating the condition. She also emphasised the need for wider awareness of PMOS and its long-term health implications among both patients and medical professionals.

Her experience is far from unique. Many women report significant delays in receiving a diagnosis and a lack of clear information about the potential causes of their symptoms.

Expert Response and Next Steps

Marie Anne Ledingham, Consultant Clinical Advisor for Women's and Reproductive Health at NICE, described the recommendation for routine annual reviews as an "important step" in improving outcomes for those affected.

"This new guideline will help improve consistency of care, increase awareness of the condition, and support earlier diagnosis and management," she said.

The draft guidance is open for public and professional consultation from 1 July to 11 August 2026. Healthcare professionals, patients, and members of the public are all encouraged to submit feedback. The final version of the guideline is expected to be published in December 2026.