Is Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome Genetic?

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is the most common hormonal condition in women of reproductive age. It usually affects up to 15% of women. A diagnosis of PMOS requires at least two of the following conditions:

• Absent or irregular periods
• Elevated male hormone, acne or abnormal hair growth on the face, chest and abdomen
• An ultrasound showing ovaries with many cysts

But is PMOS genetic and does it run in families?

Ob/Gyn Yolanda Thigpen, MD, explains if PMOS is passed down genetically and how early you can get a diagnosis.

Is PMOS passed down genetically?

Are you born with PMOS? Most cases of PMOS are genetically acquired, though the way it’s inherited is poorly understood.

But providers are beginning to see a link among genes, medical conditions and lifestyle choices that make people more susceptible to developing PMOS.

In other words, your genetic makeup doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have PMOS. It may only develop, in some cases, if other risk factors are present.

Other risk factors that may lead to developing PMOS include:

• Having overweight
• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Insulin resistance
• Diabetes

Women with PMOS also have a higher risk of depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and endometrial cancer.

Can it come from your biological father’s side?

Although researchers haven’t confirmed a clear genetic link, PMOS does tend to occur in biological families, and it’s possible that particular genetic mutations contribute to whether someone develops the condition.

Interestingly, PMOS can be passed down from your father’s side as well. In one study, if the father had a history of heart attack or stroke, the daughters had a higher risk of PMOS. A history of diabetes in either parent doesn’t seem to be significant.

“It can be helpful to ask if anyone from both the mother and father’s side of the family have risk factors and/or symptoms consistent with PMOS,” says Dr. Thigpen.

Will your child have PMOS if you do?

If you have a mother or sister with PMOS or a first-degree relative with diabetes or glucose intolerance, this may mean you’re more likely to develop the condition. An estimated one-quarter of women with PMOS have mothers with the condition, and one-third have sisters with the condition.

“If you have PMOS, your daughter is at a higher risk of developing it as well,” explains Dr. Thigpen. “Signs may appear even before puberty.”

What’s the earliest age to diagnose?

In some cases, symptoms may start during puberty.

It should be considered in an adolescent with complaints of hirsutism, treatment-resistant acne, menstrual irregularities, darkening of the skin on their neck or having obesity. But you might not know you have PMOS until you have trouble becoming pregnant or experiencing other symptoms like weight gain.

Dr. Thigpen suggests speaking to a healthcare provider, who can diagnose PMOS after an exam and discussing any symptoms you have. You may also need blood tests or an ultrasound to confirm PMOS.

“PMOS can be treated and managed. Your lifestyle habits greatly contribute to the development of the disease,” she continues.

“You’re encouraged to eat a healthy diet and exercise to maintain an ideal weight, avoid more than moderate alcohol and caffeine, and manage stress. People who have experienced infertility, irregular periods or abnormal hair growth should see a physician.”