September is PCOS/PMOS Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the most common yet misunderstood hormonal conditions affecting women. Millions of women worldwide live with PCOS, which has recently been renamed PMOS, but many spend years searching for answers before receiving an accurate diagnosis or a treatment plan that addresses more than just their symptoms.
Today, there is a growing movement to rethink how PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is understood and managed. There is an official international medical consensus that using the term PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) would better reflect the condition’s underlying metabolic and hormonal roots rather than focusing solely on the appearance of the ovaries. While PCOS remains the most widely recognized name, this evolving perspective highlights an important shift: moving from simply managing symptoms to understanding and addressing the root causes.
At Dr. Galina’s practice, naturopathic care embraces this whole-person approach, helping women better understand their hormones, improve metabolic health, and create sustainable strategies for long-term wellness.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with PCOS/PMOS for years, it’s never too late to take a fresh look at your health.
What Is PCOS/PMOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) / Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Despite its original name, ovarian cysts are not required for a diagnosis, and many women with PCOS/PMOS never develop cysts at all.
Instead, PCOS/PMOS is characterized by a combination of hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive changes that can affect many different systems throughout the body.
Common symptoms include:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Difficulty with ovulation
- Acne
- Excess facial or body hair
- Hair thinning
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Insulin resistance
- Fertility challenges
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
No two women experience PCOS/PMOS in exactly the same way, which is why individualized care is essential.
Why So Many Women Go Years Without Answers
Many women begin experiencing symptoms during their teenage years but may not receive a diagnosis until much later, sometimes after struggling with infertility or persistent hormonal symptoms.
Several factors contribute to delayed diagnosis:
- Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.
- Many symptoms overlap with other health conditions.
- Some women have regular menstrual cycles despite having PCOS/PMOS.
- Symptoms such as fatigue or weight changes may be dismissed or attributed to lifestyle alone.
This delay can be frustrating and emotionally exhausting. Many women report feeling unheard or told that birth control or weight loss are their only treatment options.
While these approaches may be appropriate for some individuals, they do not address the full complexity of PCOS/PMOS.
Why Some Experts Are Talking About PMOS
Some experts have been using PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) as a term that more accurately reflects the condition’s broader metabolic and hormonal effects.
The name highlights two important realities:
- This is not simply an ovarian disorder.
- Metabolic health plays a central role in many women’s symptoms.
The conversation around the name change reflects a broader understanding that PCOS/PMOS affects hormone regulation, insulin signaling, inflammation, and overall health, not just reproductive function.
Whether it is called PCOS or PMOS, the goal remains the same: helping women receive earlier diagnosis, more personalized care, and treatment that looks beyond symptoms.
Understanding the Root Causes of PCOS/PMOS
Rather than viewing PCOS/PMOS as a collection of unrelated symptoms, naturopathic medicine seeks to understand the biological processes contributing to hormonal imbalance.
Some of the key areas Dr. Galina evaluates include:
Hormone Imbalances
Hormones regulate menstrual cycles, ovulation, metabolism, mood, and reproductive health. When these systems become disrupted, symptoms can appear throughout the body.
Supporting healthy hormone balance may help improve cycle regularity, ovulation, and overall well-being.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance affects many women with PCOS/PMOS, including some who have a normal body weight.
When insulin levels remain elevated, the ovaries may produce more androgens, contributing to irregular ovulation, acne, and excess hair growth.
Improving insulin sensitivity is often a key part of managing PCOS/PMOS naturally.
Chronic Inflammation
Research suggests that low-grade inflammation may contribute to hormone dysregulation and metabolic dysfunction in women with PCOS/PMOS.
Reducing inflammation through nutrition and lifestyle changes may help support overall hormonal health.
Lifestyle Factors
Sleep quality, stress levels, physical activity, digestive health, and nutrition all influence hormone function.
Understanding how these factors interact allows treatment recommendations to be tailored to each individual.
A Naturopathic Approach to PCOS/PMOS
Because PCOS/PMOS affects each woman differently, treatment should never be one-size-fits-all.
Dr. Galina develops individualized care plans that may include evidence-informed strategies to support:
- Hormone balance
- Blood sugar regulation
- Healthy ovulation
- Nutritional optimization
- Weight management when appropriate
- Stress resilience
- Sleep quality
- Digestive health
- Long-term metabolic wellness
Every recommendation is based on your health history, symptoms, laboratory findings, and personal goals.
Nutrition as a Foundation for Hormonal Health
Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools for supporting women with PCOS/PMOS.
Rather than focusing on restrictive dieting, naturopathic care emphasizes sustainable eating habits that nourish the body and support healthy hormone function.
Recommendations may include:
- Balanced meals with adequate protein
- High-fiber carbohydrates
- Healthy fats
- Anti-inflammatory foods
- Blood sugar support
- Personalized nutritional guidance
Small, consistent lifestyle changes often produce more lasting improvements than temporary diets.
Moving From Frustration to Empowerment
Receiving a PCOS/PMOS diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it can also be the beginning of a deeper understanding of your health.
Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” many women begin asking, “What is my body trying to tell me?”
This shift in perspective can be incredibly empowering.
By identifying the underlying contributors to hormone imbalance and creating a personalized treatment plan, women often feel more confident managing their symptoms and making informed decisions about their health.
You’re More Than Your Diagnosis
PCOS/PMOS may affect your hormones, fertility, metabolism, and overall health, but it does not define who you are.
With compassionate care, education, and individualized support, many women find they can better manage symptoms, improve their quality of life, and feel more connected to their bodies.
PCOS/PMOS Awareness Month is an opportunity not only to increase awareness but also to remind women that they deserve answers, personalized care, and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PCOS and PMOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is the current medical diagnosis. PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is a newer term proposed by some experts to better reflect the metabolic and hormonal nature of the condition. While the terminology is evolving, both refer to the same underlying condition.
What causes PCOS/PMOS?
The exact cause of PCOS/PMOS is not fully understood. Genetics, insulin resistance, hormone imbalances, inflammation, and environmental factors are all believed to contribute.
Can PCOS/PMOS be treated naturally?
While there is no single cure for PCOS/PMOS, naturopathic care may help manage symptoms by addressing hormone balance, nutrition, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, stress, and other contributing factors through an individualized treatment plan.
Why is insulin resistance important in PCOS/PMOS?
Insulin resistance can increase insulin levels in the body, which may stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens. This can contribute to irregular periods, ovulation challenges, acne, and excess hair growth.
Can naturopathic care work alongside my primary healthcare provider?
Yes. Dr. Galina’s naturopathic approach is designed to complement conventional medical care. She works collaboratively with patients and, when appropriate, alongside other healthcare providers to support comprehensive care.
Discover a Root-Cause Approach to PCOS/PMOS
Living with PCOS/PMOS doesn’t mean settling for symptom management alone. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to hormone imbalance, you can take meaningful steps toward improving your health and well-being. Dr. Galina offers personalized, naturopathic care that focuses on the whole person, helping you build a plan that supports your long-term goals.
Learn more about Dr. Galina’s PCOS/PMOS Program: https://drgalinand.com/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome/