Eating well with PMOS (formerly PCOS) when you’re trying to conceive

In May 2026, PCOS was officially renamed PMOS: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. Despite the old name, it isn’t about cysts. The “cysts” seen on ultrasound are actually small, immature follicles. The new name better reflects the whole-body hormone and metabolic picture, and you’ll likely hear both names for a while.

What is PMOS?

PMOS affects around 1 in 8 women in Australia. It’s a long-term hormonal and metabolic condition, which means it can affect your cycle, your skin and hair, your blood sugar, your mood and your fertility.

Adults are diagnosed when they have two of these three, once other causes are ruled out:

  • irregular or absent periods (irregular ovulation)
  • higher androgens, seen in blood tests or signs like acne and excess hair growth
  • polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, or a high AMH blood test.

How PMOS can affect fertility

  • Ovulation: with PMOS, ovulation can be irregular or absent. Fewer ovulations means fewer chances to conceive each year, which is why it can take longer.
  • Insulin resistance: very common in PMOS, at any body size. Higher insulin can nudge the ovaries to make more androgens, which can disrupt ovulation.
  • Pregnancy: PMOS raises the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure in pregnancy, so it’s worth supporting your blood sugar before you conceive.
  • Mood and wellbeing: anxiety and depression are more common with PMOS. Looking after your emotional health is part of your fertility care.

The good news: many women with PMOS go on to conceive, some naturally and some with medical support.

There’s no one “PMOS diet”

Research hasn’t found one diet that works better than another for PMOS. What matters most is a nourishing pattern you can actually keep up. You don’t need to cut out whole food groups, and restriction often backfires. These foundations help keep blood sugar steady:

  • Eat regularly: aim for regular meals rather than skipping and grazing.
  • Pair your carbs: add protein and healthy fat, such as toast with eggs or fruit with yoghurt.
  • Choose slower carbs: wholegrains, oats, legumes and grainy bread.
  • Load up on fibre: vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.
  • Include healthy fats: extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds and oily fish.

Beyond the plate

  • Movement: aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate movement a week, plus some strength work on two days.
  • Sleep: poor sleep makes blood sugar harder to manage. A regular bedtime and 7 to 9 hours helps.
  • Stress and mood: slow breathing, time outdoors or talking to someone you trust all help. If your mood is low, please reach out to your GP.
  • Kindness to your body: your health is more than a number on the scale. Changes in habits can improve PMOS symptoms even before any change in weight.

Disordered eating is more common with PMOS, at any size. If food or your body feels hard to think about, you deserve support. The Butterfly Foundation helpline is 1800 33 4673.

Questions to ask your GP

  • Should I have my blood sugar checked, for example with a glucose tolerance test?
  • Are my cycles regular enough that I’m likely ovulating?
  • What are my options if I’m not ovulating?
  • Can we check in on my mood and wellbeing too?

The full guide is below. It’s free to read and download.

Based on the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for PCOS (Monash University) and Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. This page is general education and doesn’t replace personalised medical advice.

Now Called Pmos And How Nourishment Can Support You Pdf

PDF – 691.8 KB 9 downloads