PCOS vs. PMOs: what the name change means and how naturopathic medicine can support you. PMOS Calgary NATUROPATH

What you might think is a simple name change…is actually transforming the landscape of health care for many women across the globe.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) has been renamed PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome). You might ask, “Why is this important?” and there are a few parts to this answer.

The new name:

1)    Acknowledges this set of symptoms as a metabolic condition. PMOS is a hormone (endocrine) metabolic disease (impacting cardiovascular health & weight management) which could be characterized by the following hormone & metabolic changes (Keep in mind that “poly” means “many” or “more than 1”):

a.     Elevated testosterone/androgen hormone metabolites

b.     Elevated Prolactin

c.     Elevated Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

d.     Low Progesterone

e.     Elevated insulin (insulin resistance)

f.      And more!

g.     Not all hormones might present as abnormal

2)    Acknowledges that insulin resistance (a hallmark of PCOS or now, PMOS) is a metabolic condition that can impact cardiovascular health (increase waist circumference, increased visceral fat (fat around liver for example), increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes, weight gain/difficulties losing weight) – all of which might increase risk of a cardiovascular event independently on their own and compound that risk when present at the same time, which is often the case.

3)    Acknowledges that ovarian cysts are NOT required as part of the diagnosis; in fact, it wasn’t either when the name was PCOS; nevertheless, the name was misleading.

4)    Acknowledges that a variety of hormones are abnormally high or low in PMOS, impacting overall health & wellness – physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually & socially. Many women struggle with PMOS.

5)    Allows for better diagnosis and understanding – from both the patient’s side and the doctor’s side. Women are often undiagnosed for YEARS and historically have been advised to “lose weight”, which could be incredibly difficult when there is metabolic impact making that very difficult to uphold

6)    Increases knowledge, understanding & empathy in the field of health & medicine as a whole.

So, you might be wondering…How can naturopathic medicine support me?

Well first, let’s look at the diagnostic criteria for PMOS.

A diagnosis of PMOS requires 2 of the 3 points below:

1)    Irregular menstrual periods (e.g. elongated menstrual cycles, lack of menstrual period)

2)    Elevated androgen class of hormones (e.g. facial hair, male pattern hair loss/thinning & acne)

3)    Polycystic ovaries (cysts detected on ovaries during pelvic ultrasound)

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND supports women with undiagnosed & diagnosed PMOS (formerly PCOS) and helps try to navigate the challenges that might come with this condition.

Naturopathic medicine aims to address the root cause or “why” symptoms occur. Diagnoses are important. Medications can also be important. However, the foundations to health help us discover and where we can make changes to support our body’s innate ability to heal.

Stress

Sleep

Nutrition (not just caloric intake, which is important, but also discussing individualized clinical nutrition recommendations based on lab results) & Eating for insulin sensitivity.

Exercise

(Other lifestyle & social factors)

These are the foundations of health. Often, simple to identify and at times, challenging to implement consistently day-to-day. It’s not about perfection; it’s about the knowledge you gain from learning about your health, your body and why you are experiencing certain health symptoms versus someone else. Yes, genetics play a role, but research is showing us that our environments have significant impact on genetics as well in some case (also known as epigenetics).

Dr. Mawji ND offers lab testing for PMOS (formerly PCOS), which might help to identify where the obstacles might lie. Elevated androgens, insulin resistance, reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones, inflammation, kidney function, liver function & more. Testing helps to identify information. Dr. Mawji, ND has trained experience in analyzing the DUTCH test to help identify neuroendocrine markers that can help guide naturopathic supplementation & nutrition recommendations. This test can show whether anxiety for example might be due to hormone/neurotransmitter changes or if 5-alpha reductase activity is increased and therefore, increasing androgen production. The DUTCH test can also show how cortisol changes throughout the day and if sleep disturbances are due to low melatonin levels or stress hormones. Other forms of lab testing such as blood work might also be used to get a comprehensive assessment.

Insulin resistance can be calculated using lab test values to help determine staging and severity. Individualized supplement recommendations & nutritional guidance might help to support insulin resistance.

The evolution from PCOS to PMOS is a sign of progress and acceptance that women’s health matters. 

Explore Calgary Naturopathic Services with Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND - Get Started Today!

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND

Calgary Naturopathic Doctor  

PMOS Calgary

PCOS Calgary

Naturopath PMOS Calgary

PCOS naturopathic doctor Calgary

**Any information provided in these posts are intended for information purposes only and not to be considered naturopathic medical advice. See your naturopathic doctor for individualized support & guidance