Lifestyle & nutrition
In overweight patients, even moderate weight loss can markedly improve the cycle and ovulation – often the most effective first step.
PMOS – formerly PCO syndrome.
PMOS – Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, known until May 2026 as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – is the most common hormonal disorder in young women: between 5 and 20 % of all women are affected.
A new name, a better understanding
Why PCOS is now called PMOS.
Since May 2026 the condition has officially carried a new name: PMOS, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. The renaming is more than a new label – it reflects a better understanding: it is not only the ovaries that are affected, but several hormonal control circuits and, frequently, the metabolism as well. For many women the old name "polycystic ovary syndrome" was misleading, because not every woman affected shows the changes to the ovaries that gave the syndrome its name – and the condition is far more than a purely gynaecological matter.
For women who want to have a child, this more holistic view means one thing above all: greater clarity and more targeted treatment. You can read more about the renaming in our blog article "Kinderwunsch und PMOS: Warum PCOS jetzt einen neuen Namen trägt" (in German).
Signs
How to recognise PMOS.
Typically, women report infrequent periods, increased body hair and skin blemishes, although not all features have to be present. On ultrasound, enlarged "polycystic" ovaries can typically be seen.
The reduced menstrual bleeding results from delayed or impaired egg maturation. Because it takes longer for a mature egg to develop, the cycle becomes longer. This also makes it harder to become pregnant, as ovulation occurs less often. The AMH level is also affected by PMOS.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing PMOS: the Rotterdam criteria.
The diagnosis is made when at least two of the three so-called Rotterdam criteria are met: infrequent or absent ovulation (recognisable by long or irregular cycles), elevated male hormones – measurable in the blood or visible in the skin and body hair – and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Important to know: despite the name, these are not cysts, but many small follicles "paused" in their maturation.
At the Wunschbaby Institut Feichtinger, the work-up comes from a single source: hormone status from our own hormone laboratory, an ultrasound examination and a detailed conversation about your cycle, weight and accompanying symptoms. PMOS is often accompanied by insulin resistance – a disturbed sugar metabolism – which is taken into account in treatment planning. A first fertility consultation offers a good initial overview of your personal situation.
Treatment: from lifestyle to stimulation.
Lifestyle factors and nutrition are closely linked to PMOS. Women with increased body weight suffer from PMOS more often – and in overweight PMOS patients, a change in lifestyle can positively influence the condition.
The first step in fertility treatment for PMOS is usually to support egg maturation and thereby bring about a spontaneous pregnancy. This can be attempted with supportive medication on the one hand, or with mild stimulation using tablets or FSH on the other.
If other factors are present, such as a reduced semen analysis of the partner or blocked fallopian tubes, assisted reproduction may often be necessary. At the Wunschbaby Institut Feichtinger, specially developed hormone treatments for egg stimulation are used for women with PMOS.
Step by step
PMOS and the wish for a child: your treatment paths.
Treatment follows a step-by-step principle – from the gentlest approach to assisted reproduction. Many women become pregnant with the first steps alone.
Cycle monitoring
Using ultrasound and hormone levels, we observe egg maturation and determine the optimal time for a pregnancy.
Mild stimulation
Tablets or low-dose FSH support egg maturation and trigger ovulation in a targeted way – closely monitored.
IVF & ICSI
If further factors come into play, IVF or ICSI lead to the goal – with gentle hormone dosing specially tailored to PMOS.
Good prospects
Getting pregnant with PMOS: your chances.
The most important message first: the vast majority of women with PMOS can become pregnant – often with simple measures alone. Since the ovarian reserve in PMOS patients is usually high, the chances are also good with fertility treatment. What matters is carefully dosed stimulation: it supports egg maturation while preventing overstimulation, to which women with PMOS are more susceptible. At the Wunschbaby Institut Feichtinger, specially developed, individually adapted stimulation concepts are used for this purpose.
It is also important to look at your health as a whole: in the long term, PMOS can be associated with an increased risk of sugar metabolism disorders – one more reason to have it assessed early. You can read what you yourself can do for your fertility in our guide Getting pregnant – or join one of our free fertility info evenings in Vienna, Baden or St. Pölten.
Studies on PMOS (PCOS).
Further information and studies on PMOS (PCOS) by Priv.-Doz. DDr. Michael Feichtinger:
PMOS is highly treatable
You can find out more about assessing female fertility under Ferticheck Female – our causes page provides an overall overview of all the reasons for an unfulfilled wish for a child.
FAQ
PMOS and fertility: your questions.
Can I get pregnant naturally with PMOS?
Yes, many women with PMOS become pregnant spontaneously – it often just takes longer, because ovulation occurs less frequently. With a lifestyle change and, if necessary, mild support of egg maturation, the chances of a natural pregnancy can be improved considerably.
How do I know whether I have PMOS?
Typical clues are long or irregular cycles, increased body hair, skin blemishes or an unfulfilled wish for a child. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the Rotterdam criteria – with a hormone status and ultrasound, this can be clarified easily at our institute.
What does PMOS mean for my AMH level?
With PMOS, the AMH level is typically elevated, because many small follicles grow at the same time. That is fundamentally good news for your wish for a child: the ovarian reserve is usually large – the follicles just need support with maturation.
Does losing weight really help with PMOS?
In overweight patients, yes: even moderate weight reduction can favourably influence the hormonal balance, make the cycle more regular and increase the likelihood of ovulation. Slim women with PMOS, on the other hand, do not benefit from losing weight – other treatment paths take priority here.
Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound – do I automatically have PMOS?
No. Polycystic-appearing ovaries alone are not a disease – they also occur in perfectly healthy women with regular cycles. PMOS is only diagnosed when at least two of the three Rotterdam criteria are met.
What happens if tablets to trigger ovulation do not work?
Then further steps are available: low-dose stimulation with FSH injections and – if additional factors such as a reduced semen analysis or blocked fallopian tubes are present – assisted reproduction with IVF or ICSI. We adapt the treatment step by step to your situation.
Can PMOS (formerly PCOS) be cured?
PMOS is a chronic hormonal disorder and, strictly speaking, not curable – but it is very treatable. Cycle, ovulation and metabolism can be favourably influenced through lifestyle and medication, and with the right treatment, there is usually nothing standing in the way of your wish for a child.
Is there a particular risk with hormonal stimulation in PMOS?
Women with PMOS often react more sensitively to hormones and have an increased risk of ovarian overstimulation. That is why we deliberately stimulate mildly, monitor closely with ultrasound and blood tests, and rely on individually adapted treatment concepts.
Your next step
We fulfil your wish for a child!
With the right treatment, there is usually nothing standing in the way of your wish for a child despite PMOS.
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