PCOS | Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), sometimes now referred to as PMOS, is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women, and one of the most misunderstood. If you've been told your labs are "normal" while you're still dealing with irregular cycles, acne, unwanted hair growth, or trouble conceiving, you're not imagining it.
As a Geelong-based naturopath specialising in women's hormone health, I look beyond a single diagnosis label to find out what's actually driving your PCOS - because PCOS isn't one condition with one cause, and it shouldn't have one generic treatment plan.
What is PCOS / PMOS?
PCOS is defined by irregular menstruation, usually cycles that run longer than average (35+ days), and some women only get a handful of periods a year.
It's diagnosed when you have two or more of: irregular or absent ovulation, signs of excess androgens (unwanted hair growth, acne, hair thinning), or polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound.
Why PMOS? PCOS has always been a slightly misleading name - it's a whole-body hormonal and metabolic condition, not just a cyst problem, and many women with PCOS don't have ovarian cysts at all. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is the name now being discussed by some major health bodies as a more accurate description. You'll see both terms on this page because both are currently in use.
Common symptoms
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Irregular, infrequent or absent periods
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Difficulty conceiving or irregular ovulation
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Hirsutism (excess facial or body hair growth)
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Hair thinning or hair loss (androgenic alopecia)
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Hormonal acne
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Difficulty losing or maintaining weight
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Sugar and carbohydrate cravings
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Anxiety and mood changes
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Breast tenderness
Symptoms vary a lot from woman to woman — which is exactly why treatment needs to as well.
My approach to finding your PCOS/PMOS type
Not all PCOS looks the same, and it shouldn't be treated as one condition. In consultations, I work to identify which pattern (or combination) is driving your symptoms:
Insulin-resistant | the most common type, linked to blood sugar and weight regulation
Adrenal | driven by the stress-hormone system rather than the ovaries
Inflammatory | chronic low-grade inflammation disrupting hormone signalling
Post-pill | temporary PCOS-like symptoms after stopping hormonal contraception
Once we know your type, treatment is built around targeted testing, nutrition, lifestyle changes and supplementation where appropriate - working alongside your GP or specialist, not instead of them.
FAQ
Is PCOS the same as PMOS?
Yes. PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is a newer name for the same condition currently known as PCOS. Both terms describe the same diagnosis; PMOS is not yet in official use everywhere, so you may see either.
Can a naturopath actually help with PCOS?
Naturopathic care can support PCOS by addressing the underlying drivers - insulin resistance, inflammation, stress hormones, or post-pill changes, through targeted testing, nutrition and lifestyle changes, working alongside your GP or endocrinologist.
Do I need a formal diagnosis before booking?
No. Many women come to me with symptoms but no diagnosis yet, and part of my role is helping you get the right testing and referrals.
How long does it take to see results?
This varies by PCOS type and how long symptoms have been present, but most clients start noticing changes in cycle regularity and energy within 3–6 months of consistent treatment.
Can PCOS affect fertility?
Yes. Irregular or absent ovulation is one of the most common causes of fertility difficulty in PCOS, this is an area I work in closely, including alongside IVF and fertility specialists.