Here is some information about PMOS/PCOS.
PMOS/PCOS, polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome / polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder with increased activity of the male sex hormone testosterone. It can cause problems with more acne and/or increased hair growth. In addition, the ovaries do not mature eggs as normal. This leads to infrequent and irregular ovulation and menstruation. It does NOT increase the risk of ovarian cysts.
It is a condition, not a disease. It is connected to both genetics and lifestyle, and 10-15% of women of menstruating age in Norway have it.
It is common to have some of the symptoms described above during the teenage years and then no longer have them when entering your twenties. For that reason, we do not diagnose the condition in women under 21. The measures we suggest are still the same.
We know that physical activity (moving for 30-60 minutes per day and exercising 2-3 times per week) and a healthy diet with emphasis on plenty of vegetables, proteins (plant proteins such as beans, lentils, etc., fish, light meat), whole-grain carbohydrates, and healthy fat (mostly plant fat, such as oils, nuts, and avocado) in suitable amounts are especially important for everyone with PMOS/PCOS.
Partly because this has a hormone-regulating effect and helps make the cycle less irregular.
Partly because it helps prevent the development of diabetes (type 2 diabetes) and cardiovascular disease, which you have a somewhat higher long-term risk of developing if you have PMOS/PCOS.
When you do not want to become pregnant, it is wise to protect the uterine lining against prolonged estrogen stimulation (which it receives when a long time passes without menstruation) if your cycles are longer than 8-12 weeks.
Because slightly higher levels of male sex hormones often cause problems with acne and increased hair growth, we most often use contraceptive pills that are especially effective at counteracting the effect of male sex hormones. Examples of combined contraceptive pills that can improve symptoms are Kelzyn, Yana, Yasmin, Yaz, Yasminelle, and Zyrona. Slinda, an estrogen-free contraceptive pill, also contains a progesterone-like hormone that counteracts the effect of male sex hormones and may improve symptoms slightly rather than worsen them. It is useful to know that acne can flare during the first 3 months on all these pills, and that with combined contraceptive pills it can take a long time, up to 2 years, before you notice an effect on hair growth. The effect lasts while you use the treatment. If you have not had many problems with acne and hair growth, other contraceptive pills, a hormonal IUD, or Cerazette can also work well. If you have used something before that worked well, that is often the best option to use again.
Contraception is just as important for women with PMOS/PCOS as for women without the condition when pregnancy is not desired. Women with PMOS/PCOS have just as many children as women without the condition, but some may need help with egg maturation. You should therefore not worry about future wishes for children, but remember that focusing on exercise and diet is important for that as well.
Some women with PMOS/PCOS may benefit from treatment with Metformin, a medication for type 2 diabetes, which has shown an effect on hormone balance in women with PMOS/PCOS and therefore on cycle length.
A dietary supplement, Inositol, may also be considered.
Both are most often used in women who want to become pregnant.