In recent years, the conversation around women’s pain has started to shift. New research is highlighting the fact that many women have been living with symptoms that were once brushed aside or misunderstood. But here’s the good news – we’re finally making progress.
With more awareness, conditions like polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) and endometriosis are becoming easier to recognise and manage. As women’s health specialist, Dr Leigh Exelby, puts it, “For too long, women were told to simply put up with pain or irregular cycles. But you don’t have to. PMOS and endometriosis are different and getting the right diagnosis opens the door to the right care.”
PMOS affects around 1 in 8 women in Australia, while endometriosis impacts about 1 in 7. With symptoms often overlapping, it can be tricky to tell them apart. So let’s break it down and explore the signs to look for – because knowing what’s going on with your body is the first step to getting the right care.
What is PMOS?
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (formerly polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS) is a condition where hormones cause the ovaries to work differently. It can show up in various ways, such as:
Irregular or missing periods
Acne
Excess hair growth
Weight changes
Difficulty getting pregnant.
Getting a diagnosis can take time, with some women waiting up to two years for a diagnosis. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and your cycle, then order blood tests to check your hormones. They may also arrange an ultrasound to look at your ovaries. And despite the name, you don’t need to have cysts to be diagnosed. What matters is how your hormones behave and whether you ovulate regularly.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, usually on the ovaries or around the pelvis. This can cause inflammation and pain, especially during your period. Endometriosis symptoms can also include:
Pain during sex
Digestive changes
Ongoing fatigue.
Similar to PMOS, it can take several years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis. This delay is often due to the fact that symptoms can vary, change over time and overlap with other health conditions, making it difficult to pinpoint the issue right away.
Differences between PMOS and endometriosis
Both PMOS and endometriosis can cause similar symptoms and sometimes they even overlap. So it’s not always straightforward to tell the two conditions apart - and for some people, both can occur at the same time. Here’s a simple way to understand how they’re often distinguished:
PMOS:
Hormone-driven, affects ovulation and can lead to irregular cycles
Diagnosis may be identified through blood tests or an ultrasound
Treatment often focuses on hormone balance, ovulation support and simple lifestyle tweaks.
Endometriosis:
Inflammation-driven, involves tissue growing outside the uterus and often causes significant pain
Diagnosis may require a pelvic exam or laparoscopy to see what’s happening inside the pelvis
Treatment is more about managing pain, reducing inflammation and in some cases, removing endometriosis tissue to improve comfort and quality of life.
If your symptoms are starting to interrupt your day or just doesn’t feel normal for you, it’s worth checking in with your GP. These experiences don’t always point to a specific condition, but they are good reasons to have a chat with a health professional.
“You know your body better than anyone,” says Dr Exelby. “If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instinct and have a conversation with your doctor.”
Living with PMOS or endometriosis
As Dr Exelby says, “The most important thing is not to suffer in silence. With good care, both conditions can be managed and you can absolutely live a full, healthy life.” Here are a few simple steps that can help you feel more in control:
Keep a symptom diary to track changes in your cycle, pain, mood or fertility
Work with a professional healthcare team
Focus on the everyday things that support your wellbeing – better sleep, lower stress and gentle movement all count.
Living with symptoms you don’t fully understand can feel frustrating, but you’re not expected to figure it all out on your own. With the right support, many people find clarity, relief and a path forward that genuinely works for them. And every step you take – whether it’s tracking symptoms, speaking with your GP or learning more about your cycle – is a step towards feeling more confident in your health.
Ready to understand your cycle a little better? Start with our guide on what’s considered healthy and what’s worth a closer look.
Please note: The tips throughout this article serve as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.