NICE has published a draft guideline that could change how polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, is identified and managed in England. The proposal recommends that people diagnosed with PMOS should be offered an annual review covering symptoms, medicines use and long-term risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
What the draft guidance says
According to NICE, the draft guidance is designed to improve earlier diagnosis and more consistent care for people living with the condition. It says people with irregular or absent menstrual cycles, together with symptoms or signs of excess male hormones, should be investigated for PMOS because these features are often linked to the syndrome. NICE also says the condition should not be discounted in women who have been through the menopause.
The draft guidance highlights that PMOS can affect mental health and quality of life, with depression and anxiety described as common across all ages. It also notes that eating disorders can disproportionately affect people with PMOS and should not be dismissed solely on the basis of weight.
Fertility, long-term risk and treatment considerations
NICE says PMOS is linked with an increased risk of fertility problems and that people planning a pregnancy should receive advice on weight, diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health. The draft also includes recommendations on fertility treatment, including that IVF should be offered to those who meet the relevant access criteria in line with the fertility guideline.
The guidance further signposts care for related health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, acne, hirsutism and obstructive sleep apnoea. NICE said it does not recommend mechanical laser and light therapies for hair reduction, citing cost-effectiveness concerns and estimating the potential NHS cost in England at up to £100 million per year.
Consultation now open
The draft guideline is open for consultation from 1 July to 11 August 2026, with NICE inviting feedback from healthcare professionals, patients and the public. The final guideline is expected in December 2026.
Marie Anne Ledingham, consultant clinical advisor for women’s and reproductive health at NICE, said the recommendation for a simple annual review was an important step toward ensuring ongoing monitoring and support, while Sharon Manship, a lay member on the committee, said she hoped the new guidance would lead to earlier diagnosis and evidence-based care for people with the condition.
More details are available on the official NICE announcement: NICE draft PMOS guidance.
