NICE has published a draft guideline for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, calling for earlier diagnosis, routine annual reviews and more consistent long-term care for people living with the condition in the UK. The proposal, released for public consultation on 1 July 2026, sets out a broader approach to monitoring symptoms, treatment and associated health risks.
Annual review could become part of standard PMOS care
According to NICE, the draft guidance is the first on the condition tailored to a UK population. It says people with PMOS should be diagnosed sooner and offered an annual review to monitor symptoms, treatment and long-term health risks. The guideline also notes that PMOS was until recently known as polycystic ovary syndrome, and says the new name better reflects the hormonal, metabolic and reproductive effects of the condition. ([nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-annual-review-for-pmos-in-new-draft-guideline-aimed-at-improving-diagnosis-and-care?utm_source=openai))
The consultation draft highlights that living with PMOS can have a significant impact on mental health and quality of life, with depression and anxiety described as common across all ages. It also states that eating disorders disproportionately affect people with PMOS and should not be dismissed solely on the basis of a person’s weight. ([nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-annual-review-for-pmos-in-new-draft-guideline-aimed-at-improving-diagnosis-and-care))
Fertility, cardiovascular risk and other linked conditions
NICE says the draft guideline includes advice for people planning a pregnancy, covering weight, diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health. It also points to the increased risk of fertility problems and says IVF should be offered to those who meet the relevant access criteria in line with the fertility guideline. The draft guidance further signposts care for related risks such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and addresses common problems including acne, hirsutism and obstructive sleep apnoea. ([nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-annual-review-for-pmos-in-new-draft-guideline-aimed-at-improving-diagnosis-and-care))
Marie Anne Ledingham, consultant clinical advisor for women’s and reproductive health at NICE, said PMOS is a common but often overlooked condition and that a simple annual review is an important step towards ensuring ongoing care and monitoring. She said the new guideline will help improve consistency of care, increase awareness of the condition and support earlier diagnosis and management. ([nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-annual-review-for-pmos-in-new-draft-guideline-aimed-at-improving-diagnosis-and-care))
Cost and consultation details
The draft guideline also explains that NICE is not recommending mechanical laser and light therapies for hair reduction, saying analysis suggests they are not cost-effective ways of improving overall health and wellbeing. NICE estimates the likely cost impact to the NHS of recommending these therapies could be up to £100 million per year in England. ([nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-annual-review-for-pmos-in-new-draft-guideline-aimed-at-improving-diagnosis-and-care))
The consultation remains open until 11 August 2026, and NICE expects to publish the final PMOS guideline in December 2026. For healthcare professionals, patients and the public, the current draft marks a significant shift toward earlier recognition and more structured follow-up for a condition that NICE says has often been overlooked. ([nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-annual-review-for-pmos-in-new-draft-guideline-aimed-at-improving-diagnosis-and-care))
More information about the draft guidance is available from NICE’s official announcement. NICE PMOS draft guideline
