In this article /
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of people of reproductive age, affecting over 116 million people worldwide, or 1 in 10 menstruating people. PMOS (formerly PCOS) is a condition that can have huge impacts on overall quality of life.
Here are 3 research-backed observations about PMOS (formerly PCOS) and mental health.
PCOS is Stigmatizing
In The Psychology of PCOS, Dr. Stacey Williams explores the psychological science behind PMOS (formerly PCOS). The book examines the experiences and psychosocial impacts of both cisgender and gender diverse individuals living with PMOS (formerly PCOS).
Dr. Williams reports that PMOS (formerly PCOS) is stigmatizing not because you’ve been diagnosed with PMOS (formerly PCOS), but because of stigma attached to symptoms like body hair, weight gain and infertility. The psychological challenges are based on our society’s expectations for bodies assigned female at birth, such as being hairlessness, thin, and fertile.
The “Side Effects” Can Be Positive for Gender Diverse Individuals
Dr. Williams’ interviews revealed an unexpected finding: those who identified as trans masculine or nonbinary found that PMOS (formerly PCOS) symptoms like hirsutism (excess facial hair and excess other hair growth), affirmed their gender identity.
Treatments for PMOS (formerly PCOS) are feminizing, attempting to reduce unwanted facial hair and bring on regular menstrual cycles. These may not be wanted among folks who are gender diverse. Some in the PMOS (formerly PCOS) gender diverse community found that because of their PMOS (formerly PCOS) symptoms, they were further along in their transition. Some even saw it as a superpower or asset and others in the community were envious of them.
Increased Risks of Anxiety and Depression
There have been numerous bio medical research studies comparing cis gender people with PMOS (formerly PCOS) to those without and across the board there is an increased risk of experiencing mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Dr. Williams’ study found a few links, such as respondents feeling invisible and isolated with their PMOS (formerly PCOS) diagnosis. Respondents also reported negative interactions with medical providers spanning from dismissiveness of their health problems to weight bias, and an overall lack of cultural competence working with gender diverse people and people of color.
However, Dr. Williams’ research found that while anxiety and depression were a dominant theme among respondents, many also talked about psychological growth. Yes, PMOS (formerly PCOS) is a struggle—with irregular periods, insulin resistance, challenges with weight loss, battles with birth control, and more—and yet the journey provides an opportunity to learn so much about one’s body and oneself. Self-discovery even through the lens of adversity was seen as a positive outcome of PMOS (formerly PCOS).
Research into better diagnosis and treatment is, however, increasing. To learn more about current research into PMOS (formerly PCOS) diagnosis and treatment, read our blog, 3 Things You May Not Know about PMOS (formerly PCOS).
Editor’s note: In May 2026, a global panel of clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates officially renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The new name better reflects the condition’s hormonal and metabolic complexity. We’ve updated this article accordingly.
