PMOS (formerly PCOS): treatment in Basel
PMOS (formerly PCOS) treatment Basel – diagnostics, cycle, fertility, weight
FMH Gynecology
Board certified
SGGG
Member
Colposcopy diploma
Certified
DE · EN
Languages
Spalenvorstadt 3
4051 Basel
PCOS is now called PMOS – Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. The new name (The Lancet, May 2026, an international consortium of over 50 professional societies) more precisely describes what is really involved: a hormonal and metabolic condition that affects far more than just the ovaries.
PMOS (formerly PCOS) is the most common hormonal and metabolic condition in women of reproductive age. Typical features are irregular or absent ovulation, elevated androgen levels, and often insulin resistance. Early assessment improves quality of life and reduces long-term risks.
Dr. Anna M. Wagner offers thorough diagnostics and individualised treatment in Basel – from cycle regulation and fertility treatment to weight management. Not every patient shows all features; therapy is tailored individually.
Key facts
At a glance.
- New name since May 2026: PMOS instead of PCOS (The Lancet).
- A hormonal and metabolic condition – not primarily a disease of the ovaries.
- Diagnosis: symptoms + hormone analysis + gynaecological ultrasound.
- Up to 85% of patients have insulin resistance.
- Treatable – not curable: relieving symptoms, preventing complications.
- With regular periods, PMOS/PCOS is less likely – but not ruled out.
- In overweight individuals, periods often stop: fatty tissue produces a lot of oestrogen – comparable to taking the pill.
- GLP-1 medications (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) can favourably affect weight and insulin resistance.
- 'PCO-like ovaries' in adolescents are a normal ultrasound finding – not a diagnosis and not PMOS/PCOS.
Causes
Background and risk factors.
PMOS (formerly PCOS) has a genetic component but presents very differently from person to person. Studies show a higher prevalence in some population groups, particularly in South Asia. Genetic factors, an increased predisposition to insulin resistance, and differences in diagnostic criteria likely all play a role together. A family history can, however, play a role independent of ethnic background.
Risk factors
- Family history (PMOS/PCOS, type 2 diabetes)
- Insulin resistance and overweight
- Lack of exercise and highly processed diet
- Certain genetic backgrounds (including South Asian ancestry)
Frequency
Depending on the diagnostic criteria used, PMOS/PCOS affects about 8–13% of women of reproductive age, making it the most common hormonal-metabolic condition of this life stage.
Symptoms & findings
How does it present?
Typical symptoms
- Irregular or absent periods
- Acne, oily skin
- Increased hair growth (face, abdomen, chest) – hirsutism
- Hair loss on the scalp (androgenetic)
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Weight gain that is hard to control
- Metabolic changes (insulin resistance, elevated blood sugar)
Common incidental findings
- Multiple small follicles on ultrasound (so-called 'polycystic' appearance) – not obligatory
- Acanthosis nigricans (dark skin areas on the neck/underarms) as a sign of insulin resistance
When is it detected?
Do you recognise yourself in several of these symptoms? An early assessment at our practice at Spalenvorstadt provides clarity. Many women notice symptoms over several cycles before seeking medical advice.
Diagnostics
How the diagnosis is made.
The diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, hormone analysis in the blood, and gynaecological ultrasound to assess the ovaries. At the practice of Dr. Wagner in Basel, blood draws and ultrasound are usually performed during a single consultation appointment.
Examinations
- History: cycle, skin, hair, weight, desire to have children
- Hormone analysis: testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, LH/FSH, AMH, prolactin, TSH
- Metabolism: fasting glucose, HbA1c, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) if needed, lipid profile
- Gynaecological ultrasound: assessment of the ovaries and uterine lining
What do the findings mean?
The diagnosis is made according to international criteria (at least 2 of 3: cycle disorder, clinical/laboratory hyperandrogenaemia, typical ovarian appearance). It is important to rule out other causes (thyroid, prolactin, adrenal conditions).
Important
adolescents frequently show so-called 'PCO-like ovaries' on ultrasound – this is a purely descriptive finding (many small follicles) and has nothing to do with PMOS/PCOS syndrome at this life stage. A diagnosis based on the ultrasound image alone would be incorrect during adolescence.
Treatment
Possible approach.
Watchful waiting
Treatment goals are agreed individually
regulating the cycle, improving the skin, supporting fertility, stabilising weight and metabolism, reducing long-term risks. Lifestyle (exercise, diet, sleep) is the basis of every therapy.
Medication
Depending on the treatment goal
hormonal cycle regulation (e.g. combined pill, progestins), antiandrogen therapy for acne/hirsutism, metformin for insulin resistance, ovulation induction (clomiphene or letrozole) for fertility. GLP-1 medications (Ozempic®/Wegovy®) are increasingly used to support weight management – weight reduction improves insulin resistance and thus often also cycle regularity.
Surgery
Surgical procedures are rarely needed for PMOS and are only considered in individual cases as part of fertility treatment at specialised centres.
Prevention
What you can do yourself.
- Regular exercise and a balanced diet – the most effective lever for insulin resistance
- Keep weight within an individually sensible range – even a 5–10% reduction often improves the cycle
- Annual gynaecological check-up including hormone and metabolic values
- Have irregular cycles assessed early – protects the uterine lining in the long term
- Consistent management of PMOS can help reduce the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic consequences.
One appointment. One main concern. So we can give you our full, unhurried attention, we address one main topic per appointment. We're happy to schedule additional or complex questions in a separate appointment. This is what allows consultations to run on time and without long waiting times – thank you for your understanding.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ.
Related topics
Keep reading.
- Fertility
Cycle work-up, hormone status and support if you are trying to conceive.
- Gynaecological ultrasound
- The pill
Medically responsible.
Dr. med. Anna Margareta Wagner is a board-certified FMH specialist in gynecology and obstetrics with her own practice at Spalenvorstadt 3 in Basel. Special focus on surgical gynecology; further focus areas: gynecological check-ups, colposcopy and dysplasia consultations, intimate surgery, pregnancy care, and consultations for girls and adolescents.
- FMH specialist certification in gynecology and obstetrics
- Special focus: surgical gynecology
- SGGG member
- Certified colposcopy diploma
- Languages: German, English
- Service area: Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, northwestern Switzerland
The content on this page is reviewed regularly against current specialist medical recommendations.
Sources
Scientific references.
Your questions – discussed in a safe space.
Every situation is individual. During your consultation, we take the time to review your findings and find the right next step together.