Persevering and treating PMOS

Did you know that BOMA-TT offers free in-person and online appointments to learn the Billings Ovulation Method®? Did you also know that one in eight women are affected by Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? This significant finding was highlighted in a study reported in The Lancet in early June.

Two out of three symptoms result in a diagnosis of PMOS: (1) irregular menstrual cycles, (2) hirsutism—the growth of dark or coarse hair following a male-like pattern, which may appear on the face, chest, back and other areas where women usually do not grow hair, and (3) ultrasound showed a cyst or a ring of follicles on one or both ovaries.

Many women experience changes in their menstrual cycle but often attribute them to lifestyle factors and not necessarily to PMOS. Likewise, hirsutism is frequently dismissed as “unwanted hair” to be removed.

As a result, many young women are misdiagnosed or given medication that suppresses symptoms without addressing the root cause. In many cases, hormonal contraceptives are prescribed not for contraception, but to manage PMOS symptoms.

At a recent conference titled ‘Persevering with PCOS: The Community Experience’ at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, two local physicians echoed the international medical community in supporting the long-awaited shift from the term PCOS to PMOS.

PCOS often gave the impression that the condition was solely related to the ovaries. However, the updated term PMOS highlights that this condition has “diverse endocrine and metabolic features” (The Lancet, June 6, 2026).

Although  symptoms may appear similar, the root cause of PMOS varies from woman to woman. These may include thyroid issues, blood sugar control issues, or brain tumours affecting hormone levels.

There is a general lack of awareness of the multi-disciplinary approach needed to treat PMOS. Yashi Carrington, organiser of the ‘Persevering with PCOS’ conference, brought together an amazing line-up of professionals to support women and couples living with this condition.

While diet and exercise might be the first line of treatment, comprehensive testing is needed to properly diagnose and treat the main cause of PMOS symptoms. Personal testimonials at the conference revealed how financially draining diagnosing and treating PMOS can be. Testimonials also revealed the stigma women suffer, especially those whose symptoms and/or treatments resulted in significant weight gain. Delayed diagnosis has also affected fertility outcomes for some women and couples trying to conceive.

The conference can be viewed on YouTube.

Women can read the signs of their bodies through the Billings Ovulation Method®. A woman’s fertility chart can reveal when she is ovulating (or releasing an egg/eggs from the ovary), which is an important indicator of health as her metabolic and endocrine systems are linked to it. This information can help women track whether treatment is effective and whether further medical consultation may be needed.

The best way to learn the Billings Method is with the assistance of an instructor. We at BOMA-TT offer books, booklets, charts, and instructors to journey with women and couples in learning the Billings Method.

The first appointment is free of charge! Learning to chart the menstrual cycle is a skill as it can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on how much time is given to understanding the female body.

Couples and women, we invite you to contact us today to start learning!

BOMA-TT Phone or WhatsApp: (868) 384-1659, Email: naturalfertility@catholictt.org or billingstt@gmail.com. Local Website: billingstt.com, International Websites: woombinternational.org or billings.life