Living with PMOS? Start with These 3 Simple Steps

Although PMOS is diagnosed using the same criteria, not every woman develops it for the same reason. Identifying your primary “driver” can help guide more personalised treatment and explain why what works for someone else may not work for you.

Many naturopaths recognise four common PMOS drivers:

Insulin Resistant PMOS

This is the most common type. High insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones), contributing to irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair growth and difficulty ovulating. Women may also experience weight gain, strong carbohydrate cravings or energy crashes.

Inflammatory PMOS

For some women, chronic low-grade inflammation appears to be the driving force. Gut health issues, poor sleep, chronic stress, environmental exposures or inflammatory diets may all contribute. Blood tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can sometimes provide additional clues.

Adrenal PMOS

In this subtype, the adrenal glands produce excess androgens, often in response to prolonged physical or emotional stress. Women are frequently leaner than those with insulin-resistant PMOS and may notice symptoms worsening during particularly stressful periods.

Post-Pill PMOS

Some women experience PMOS symptoms after stopping the oral contraceptive pill. The pill can temporarily suppress androgen production, so once it’s discontinued, underlying hormonal imbalances may become more apparent. For many women, these symptoms improve over time with the right support.

Understanding your primary driver allows treatment to become far more targeted, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.