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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries as well as many other parts of the body (MedlinePlus). It is now also known as polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome, or PMOS (NICHD).
Because PCOS involves several body systems, several kinds of clinicians have training in areas related to it. This guide gives a general overview of those clinician types, based on public health sources. It's general information, not a recommendation for any individual.
PCOS at a glance
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), people with PCOS usually have at least two of these three features (NICHD):
- Absence of ovulation, leading to irregular periods or no periods
- High levels of hormones called androgens, or signs of high androgens, such as increased body or facial hair
- Growths in one or both ovaries, often clumps of ovarian follicles that have stopped developing
Some people diagnosed with PCOS don't have growths in their ovaries (NICHD).
Why the name is changing
MedlinePlus explains that the name was changed to PMOS to reflect that it is a complex condition affecting many systems in the body, not just the ovaries (MedlinePlus). Both names are in use, so this guide uses PCOS.
The body systems involved
MedlinePlus groups the possible symptoms by body system (MedlinePlus):
- Menstrual and reproductive: irregular or missed periods, infertility
- Metabolic: insulin resistance with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure
- Mental health: anxiety, depression, eating disorders
- Hormonal and skin: extra hair growth, hair loss, acne, darkened skin in body creases
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some people have few or no symptoms (MedlinePlus).
Types of clinicians whose fields relate to PCOS
The table below describes clinician types in general terms, using MedlinePlus definitions (MedlinePlus). The last column links each field to the body systems listed above.
| Clinician type | General scope (MedlinePlus) | Related body system |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care provider (family medicine, internal medicine, nurse practitioner or physician assistant) | Helps manage a person's overall health and may refer to specialists | Overall health |
| Obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) | Women's health care, wellness and prenatal care | Menstrual and reproductive |
| Endocrinologist | Hormonal and metabolic disorders, including diabetes | Hormonal and metabolic |
| Dermatologist | Skin disorders | Skin and hair |
| Psychiatrist | Emotional or mental disorders | Mental health |
The table describes general scope only. Training, experience and areas of focus vary from one clinician to another within each group.
Primary care and specialist care
MedlinePlus describes a primary care provider as someone who can help manage a person's overall health and may refer a person to specialists when needed. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants may also provide care alongside most types of specialists (MedlinePlus).
When to see a clinician
Questions about PCOS, or about any change in health, are best discussed with a licensed clinician who knows a person's history. In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Frequently asked questions
What does PCOS stand for? Polycystic ovary syndrome. It is now also called polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome, or PMOS (NICHD).
Why was PCOS renamed PMOS? The new name reflects that the condition affects many systems in the body, not just the ovaries (MedlinePlus).
Does everyone with PCOS have ovarian cysts? No. NICHD notes that some people diagnosed with PCOS don't have growths in their ovaries (NICHD).
What is an endocrinologist? A physician who specializes in endocrinology, the field covering hormonal and metabolic disorders, including diabetes (MedlinePlus).
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). About polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- MedlinePlus. Polycystic ovary syndrome.
- MedlinePlus. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome.
- MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers.
The information in this article is for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified clinician who knows your history. Don't start, stop or change any treatment based on this article. If you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Reading this article does not create a clinician-patient relationship with Tenor Health or any provider on our platform.
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