“Is It Just Puberty?” Recognizing PMOS in Adolescents

“What if your teen’s ‘normal puberty’ isn’t actually normal?”

Irregular periods. Persistent acne. Unwanted facial hair. Weight changes.

These symptoms are often brushed off as “just hormones,” but for some teens, they could point to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS).

Diagnosing PMOS during adolescence isn’t always straightforward because many of its features overlap with typical pubertal development. That’s why experts caution against rushing to label every teen with irregular periods as having PMOS. At the same time, waiting too long can delay treatment and leave teens struggling with symptoms that affect both their physical and emotional wellbeing.

PMOS is more than a reproductive health condition. It can increase the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic concerns. It can also have a significant impact on self-esteem, body image, anxiety, and depression, especially during a stage of life when identity and confidence are still developing.

As therapists, we may not diagnose PMOS, but we can recognize when a teen’s mental health concerns exist alongside menstrual irregularities, persistent acne, excess hair growth, or rapid weight changes. Asking about menstrual health as part of a holistic assessment can open the door to conversations that lead to earlier medical evaluation and support.

When PMOS is identified early, treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce long term health risks. Just as importantly, it can help teens understand that what they’re experiencing isn’t something they have to “just live with.”

Mental health and reproductive health aren’t separate conversations. The more we connect the dots, the better we can support the teens sitting across from us.

Read more here: https://www.ovid.com/jnls/co-pediatrics/abstract/10.1097/mop.0000000000000636~an-update-on-pcos-in-adolescents?redirectionsource=fulltextview