PCOS/PMOS and pregnancy: everything you need to know
Sommaire
Key takeaways
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is now called PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome); both names will coexist until 2028 [1].
- It is a chronic and common hormonal condition, affecting 6 to 13% of women of childbearing age [2].
- It often disrupts ovulation, which can make conceiving harder [3]; medical care is available [3].
- Pregnancy with PCOS/PMOS more often involves complications (premature birth, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia) [4]: hence the value of talking to a healthcare professional early.
Irregular periods, acne, trouble conceiving… PCOS, now called PMOS since 2026, is still poorly understood, and it is sometimes diagnosed late, when a baby project is taking longer than expected [4]. Here is an overview of this syndrome, its links with fertility and pregnancy, and the right reflexes for talking to a healthcare professional.
What is PCOS/PMOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome or ovarian polycystosis, is a chronic endocrine condition. It is caused by a hormonal dysregulation of ovarian and pituitary origin, leading to an excess production of androgens, hormones normally produced in very small amounts in women [2]. It is the most common endocrine condition in women of childbearing age: it affects 6 to 13% of them, from adolescence to menopause [2].
The word “polycystic” is misleading: what is actually observed is a large number of follicles whose development is incomplete, not true cysts [2]. This is one of the reasons the syndrome was renamed PMOS in May 2026 [1].
Good to know
The name change does not alter the diagnostic criteria, the examinations or the care [1]. To understand why the syndrome was renamed, read our article PCOS becomes PMOS: why polycystic ovary syndrome is changing its name.
What causes PCOS/PMOS?
The origin of the syndrome is not clearly identified: it is most likely multifactorial [2]. Two types of factors are mentioned [2]:
- Genetic factors: about twenty predisposition genes have been identified, but they explain the syndrome in fewer than 10% of cases. Having a mother or a sister with the condition increases the risk by 30%.
- Environmental factors: endocrine disruptors may play a role, although no proof has been established to date.
What are the symptoms of PCOS/PMOS?
They generally appear at puberty, but can also show up much later. They vary greatly from one woman to another and are not always all present [4].
Gynecological symptoms
- Irregular cycles that last a long time (more than 35 to 40 days), or an absence of periods [4].
- Rare or absent ovulation, which can cause difficulties conceiving [4].
Symptoms related to androgens
- Increased hair growth (hirsutism) [4].
- Oily skin and acne, sometimes persisting after the age of 20 [4].
- Hair loss, especially at the crown and along the frontal hairline [4].
Other possible symptoms
- A tendency to gain weight and insulin resistance [4].
- Fatigue, depressed mood, anxiety, a negative self-image [4].
- Sleep apnea, especially in cases of overweight [4].
How is PCOS/PMOS diagnosed?
After a clinical examination, the doctor orders a blood test (a hormone panel at the beginning of the cycle and a metabolic panel) and, if necessary, an abdominopelvic ultrasound [4]. In adult women, the diagnosis requires at least 2 of the following 3 criteria: an excess of androgens (clinical signs or blood test), rare or absent ovulation, and a “polycystic” appearance of the ovaries on ultrasound [4].
Ultrasound alone is not enough: some women have ovaries with this appearance without having the other symptoms [4]. In adolescents, the diagnosis is based on cycle disorders and signs of excess androgens [4]. When the excess of androgens is moderate, the diagnosis is often made late, in adulthood, when difficulties getting pregnant appear [4].
Can you get pregnant with PCOS/PMOS?
PCOS/PMOS is often responsible for infertility, because ovulation is reduced or absent [3]. Between the ages of 25 and 30, it is often the reason for the consultation that leads to the diagnosis [4]. But this is not a dead end: medical care is available, and solutions are offered to the women concerned [3].
If you have PCOS/PMOS and are planning a pregnancy, the French national health insurance (Assurance Maladie) invites you to talk to your doctor during a preconception consultation, which helps plan the pregnancy as well as possible [3]. In case of infertility, the doctor first checks that there are no other contributing factors (for example a fallopian tube abnormality or a problem with the partner's sperm) [3]. Depending on the situation, care may include [3]:
- ovulation induction (or ovarian stimulation), recognized as the first step in treating infertility in PCOS/PMOS;
- in some cases, ovarian surgery by laparoscopy;
- in vitro fertilization (IVF), the final step after unsuccessful ovulation induction or as an alternative to surgery.
All these treatments are prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals. To learn more about the steps, read our article on the medically assisted procreation journey, from diagnosis to pregnancy.
What does PCOS/PMOS change during pregnancy?
Pregnant women with PCOS/PMOS more often have complicated pregnancies, with an increased risk of premature birth, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia [4]. This is an increased risk, not a certainty: talking early to your doctor, your gynecologist or your midwife helps set up follow-up that is adapted to your situation.
PCOS/PMOS and pregnancy: key points at a glance
| Topic | Key point |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 6 to 13% of women of childbearing age [2] |
| Link with fertility | Rare or absent ovulation, often responsible for infertility [4][3] |
| Diagnosis (adult women) | At least 2 out of 3 criteria [4] |
| Before pregnancy | Preconception consultation [3] |
| If conceiving is difficult | Medical care: ovulation induction, ovarian surgery, in vitro fertilization [3] |
| During pregnancy | Increased risk of premature birth, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia [4] |
FAQ
Are PCOS and PMOS the same thing?
Yes. PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) is the new name for PCOS, adopted in May 2026. Both terms will coexist until 2028 [1].
Can you get pregnant with PCOS/PMOS?
PCOS/PMOS is often responsible for infertility because ovulation is rare or absent [3], but medical care is available [3]. The best step is to talk to your doctor during a preconception consultation [3].
Does PCOS/PMOS increase the risks during pregnancy?
Yes, the risk of premature birth, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia is increased [4]. Appropriate medical follow-up helps organize the pregnancy as well as possible.
How do you know if you have PCOS/PMOS?
The diagnosis relies on a hormone panel, a metabolic panel and, if necessary, an ultrasound. In adult women, at least 2 of the following 3 criteria are required: excess androgens, rare or absent ovulation, and a “polycystic” appearance of the ovaries [4].
Is having “polycystic”-looking ovaries on an ultrasound enough to say you have PCOS/PMOS?
No. Some women have ovaries with this appearance without having the other symptoms of the syndrome: ultrasound alone is not enough to make the diagnosis [4].
Can PCOS/PMOS be cured?
It is a chronic condition. There is no treatment to cure it: care is symptomatic and adapted to each woman, in consultation with her [3].
Final word
A diagnosis of PCOS/PMOS is neither a fatality nor an end in itself: it is a starting point for understanding your body better and being supported. Whether you are planning a baby or simply have questions about your cycles, don't wait to talk to your doctor, your gynecologist or your midwife.
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