PCOS support: two women lying with heads next to one another laughing

PMOS (PCOS) Support: Groups, Services and What Helps

If you've just been diagnosed, or you've been living with it for years and still feel like you're piecing it together alone, this guide is for you. You're not imagining it: PMOS (PCOS) touches more than your cycle. It can affect your energy, your skin, your mood and the way you feel about your body. And sometimes the most useful thing in the world is knowing someone else gets it.

PCOS has been renamed PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome), and the NHS now uses the new name. We'll use both while the change beds in. Verity, the UK charity, describes a three-year transition during which both names are used [1].

Here's what this guide covers: how to get good medical care, where to find mental health support, which UK groups are real, what the evidence says about peer support, and what you can do day to day. It's not a magic fix list. Your diagnosis is a starting point, not a verdict, and the right support makes the next step easier. Services change, so we've named what we could verify and said where we couldn't.

Woman's sofa corner with a blanket, two mugs of tea, a notebook and a plant, suggesting a quiet moment to look up PMOS (PCOS) support

In this guide:

What Kind of Support Do You Actually Need?

In short: Most people need three things at once: medical care that takes them seriously, people who understand, and practical day-to-day habits.

Most women with PMOS (PCOS) are dealing with several things at the same time: irregular periods, fatigue that seems out of proportion, skin changes, anxiety nobody links to hormones, and a feeling that the advice on offer ("lose weight" or "come back when you want a baby") isn't helping.

Good support tends to work across three areas:

  • Medical support: an accurate diagnosis, the right tests, and a clinician who listens.
  • Community support: people with lived experience who understand without needing it explained.
  • Practical support: food, movement, sleep and (where it fits) supplements, based on evidence rather than internet noise.

Start wherever feels most urgent. None of this has to happen overnight.

How Do You Get Proper Medical Support for PMOS (PCOS)?

In short: Start with your GP. Diagnosis usually needs two of three features, after other causes are ruled out, and you can ask for a second opinion.

A GP is the usual first step. The NHS page on PMOS (PCOS) lists the treatments and says there's no cure, but treatments and lifestyle changes can help. It names medicines such as the combined pill, progestogen-only pill or IUS for irregular periods, clomifene for fertility, spironolactone or eflornithine for unwanted hair, and metformin, and it links to Verity as a support charity [2].

How is it diagnosed? The Rotterdam criteria require two of three features: irregular or absent ovulation, signs of high androgens, and polycystic ovarian morphology on scan [3]. The 2023 international guideline keeps that approach in adults, but says AMH can substitute for ultrasound in adults [4]. The draft NICE guideline says to diagnose in people aged 10 and over who have high androgens together with irregular or absent cycles, once other causes are excluded, and to offer ultrasound or AMH, but not both, in adults who have only one of those two features [5]. In plain English: you don't need all three features, and other conditions need ruling out first.

Two practical points. First, the old advice to "ask for fasting insulin" has moved on. Our guides on which blood tests matter and how to advocate for yourself cover what the guidelines recommend asking for. Second, insulin resistance is common but not universal: a major review puts it at roughly 44 to 70% of women with PMOS (PCOS) depending on how it's measured. It's well established in women at higher weights, and the evidence in lean women is mixed [6].

If you feel dismissed, you're allowed to ask for a second opinion. That's not being difficult, it's being your own advocate. The 2023 guideline also recommends that clinicians ask permission before discussing weight and use language that minimises stigma [4]. For plain-English explanations from a clinician, many people follow Dr Anita Mitra, an NHS doctor specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology and author of The Gynae Geek [7].

Where Can You Get Mental Health Support?

In short: NHS Talking Therapies accepts self-referral for anxiety and depression. Samaritans (116 123) is free and open 24 hours a day if you're in crisis.

This one matters. A meta-analysis of 30 studies found that women with PMOS (PCOS) had about 3 to 4 times the odds of depressive symptoms (OR 3.78, 95% CI 3.03 to 4.72) and over 5 times the odds of anxiety symptoms (OR 5.62, 3.22 to 9.80). The pattern held in studies matched for BMI. Those studies measured symptoms rather than diagnoses and were cross-sectional, so they show an association, not a cause [8].

The 2023 international guideline recommends screening all adults and adolescents for depression, and adults for anxiety [4]. The draft NICE guideline says low mood and depression are common in people of all ages with PMOS, and anxiety in those aged 18 and over [5]. If you're struggling, you don't need to wait until things are worse to ask. Here's where to start:

  • NHS Talking Therapies. In England you can refer yourself for conditions such as anxiety and depression without seeing a GP. You must normally be 18 or over, and some areas also ask you to be registered with a GP, so check your local service [9].
  • Samaritans. Call 116 123 for free, day or night, every day of the year [10].
  • Mind Infoline. Call 0300 123 3393 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays) for information and local support. It isn't a crisis service [11].
  • Beat. If food or eating feels out of control, Beat's helplines are open 3pm to 8pm on weekdays (England: 0808 801 0677) [12].

Services come and go. Some older articles, including an earlier version of this one, listed a free volunteer counselling hub and a listener app. We couldn't confirm that either is currently available to people in the UK in that form, so we've removed them. Always check eligibility and opening times before you rely on a service.

If you are in crisis: if you are having thoughts of harming yourself, contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, 24 hours a day [13, 10]. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Are There In-Person PMOS (PCOS) Support Groups in the UK?

In short: Yes. Verity's volunteers run local groups across England and Wales, mostly through Facebook. Check each group's page for current meeting details.

Verity describes itself as the UK's only PMOS (PCOS) charity. Its local groups page lists groups by region, from Newcastle and Northumberland to Cornwall, Devon and Bristol, plus the North West, Yorkshire, the Midlands, Wales, the East of England and London and the South East. Each links to a Facebook group. In England and Wales these are run by volunteers. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, Verity says it isn't an officially registered charity, and volunteers run closed Facebook groups in support of it [14, 15].

One honest caveat. The group pages show links rather than meeting dates, and Verity's separate meetings page looks out of date, so we couldn't confirm how often each group meets in person in 2026. The page doesn't state a cost either. Message your local group to ask. Verity is also recruiting local group leaders, which it describes as a couple of hours every week or two, so if there isn't a group near you, that's a way in [14].

Why bother? Peer support is something many people with PMOS (PCOS) say they value, and it's where a lot of practical know-how circulates. We cover what the evidence says in the next section.

What Are the Best Online PMOS (PCOS) Support Groups?

In short: Good groups are moderated and link to evidence. Qualitative research says they help women feel understood, though some find them anxiety-provoking.

Online groups can help if you're newly diagnosed, overwhelmed or can't reach a local group. A few UK-relevant options:

  • Verity's online communities. Verity's website lists a private Facebook group with over 12,000 members, an anonymous HealthUnlocked forum and a discussion board. Its terms say the communities follow house rules published on each platform. We couldn't confirm how they're moderated, so read the rules when you join [1, 15].
  • Reddit's r/PCOS. A large community, about 318,000 members according to a third-party tracker. Its rules ask members not to give medical advice and to share their own experience instead [16].
  • The MyOva WhatsApp group. Our own community space for women with PMOS (PCOS), where you can ask "is this normal?" without being told to eat less and move more. Join here.

What does the research say? A qualitative survey of 50 members of a UK PMOS (PCOS) online support group found that connecting with others who understand, getting information and gaining confidence with health professionals were helpful. It also found downsides: other people's negative stories could raise anxiety, and some members felt like outsiders [17]. It's one group, a small sample and self-selected, so treat it as a useful signal, not proof. More broadly, a review of reviews of peer support in chronic conditions found mostly positive but largely non-significant effects, with significant effects mainly for blood sugar in diabetes. The authors concluded that effectiveness is unclear [18].

So join for the company and the practical tips, not as a treatment. And be careful: not all online content is accurate. The 2023 guideline recommends that clinicians warn about misinformation and point people to evidence-based resources [4]. Trust groups that reference real research, encourage you to speak to professionals, and don't promise instant fixes.

Infographic titled Your PMOS (PCOS) Support Map with five cards: your GP, your mind, your people, your daily habits, and remember

What Can You Do Day to Day?

In short: The 2023 guideline recommends healthy lifestyle for everyone with PMOS (PCOS), with benefits even without weight loss. No one regimen beats the rest.

This is what the research actually says, and it's worth knowing if you've spent years hearing that weight loss is the treatment. The 2023 guideline recommends healthy lifestyle support for all women with PMOS (PCOS), says no single diet or exercise regimen has been shown to beat the others, and notes that a healthy lifestyle has benefits even when weight doesn't change [4]. The draft NICE guideline says a healthy diet and physical activity have benefits whatever your BMI, and that no type of healthy diet has been shown to be better than another [5].

Blood sugar and movement. In adults with type 2 diabetes, a 10-minute walk after each meal lowered the rise in blood sugar after meals by about 12% compared with one 30-minute walk, in a crossover trial of 41 people [19]. A meta-analysis of 7 short trials, mostly in adults with overweight or obesity, found that light walking breaks lowered blood sugar and insulin compared with sitting [20]. We found no study of post-meal walking in PMOS (PCOS), so this is a reasonable, low-risk idea rather than a proven one. Our guide to blood sugar balance covers the basics.

Sleep. The 2023 guideline says obstructive sleep apnoea is more common in women with PMOS (PCOS) and recommends asking about symptoms such as snoring and unrefreshing sleep [4]. If you wake tired no matter how long you sleep, mention it to your GP. Whether poor sleep directly drives androgen levels in PMOS (PCOS) isn't established. Our guide to PMOS (PCOS) and sleep has practical steps.

Inflammation. A meta-analysis of 63 studies found higher levels of low-grade inflammation markers in PMOS (PCOS), such as CRP (standardised mean difference 1.26, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.53), including in women who aren't obese [21]. A small earlier study found that women with PMOS (PCOS) had more oxidative stress after a glucose drink, regardless of weight [22]. An anti-inflammatory style of eating, rich in vegetables, oily fish, pulses and wholegrains, is a sensible pattern, though we haven't seen trial evidence that it changes PMOS (PCOS) outcomes. Our anti-inflammatory eating guide goes into detail.

Can Supplements Help With PMOS (PCOS)?

In short: Evidence for inositol in PMOS (PCOS) is limited and inconclusive. Some women choose it, but it isn't a proven treatment, so talk to your GP first.

MyOva makes a myo-inositol supplement, so let's be upfront about what the evidence says, including the parts that don't flatter us. A 2024 review for the international guideline pooled 30 trials and concluded that the evidence for inositol in PMOS (PCOS) is "limited and inconclusive". Inositol may improve some metabolic measures, and metformin may do better for hirsutism and waist-hip ratio [23]. The 2023 guideline says inositol could be considered based on individual preferences, with limited clinical benefit shown, and that specific types, doses or combinations can't be recommended. For infertility, it calls inositol experimental [4]. The draft NICE guideline says there's uncertainty about its clinical benefit for metabolic health and that it isn't effective for fertility problems [5].

So it's an individual choice, not a must-do. If you do try one, tell your GP, especially if you take metformin or other medicines. Here's where our Myoplus fits:

MyOva Myoplus food supplement
Daily Food Supplement
Myoplus

4,000 mg myo-inositol with vitamin B6, which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, folate and chromium, which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. Four tablets a day.

Read this first. Myoplus is a food supplement, not a treatment for PMOS (PCOS), and it doesn't replace advice from your GP or any prescribed medicine. As above, there's no proof that myo-inositol treats PMOS (PCOS) or improves fertility. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor first. For the full picture, see our guide to myo-inositol in fertility treatments.

What Does a PMOS (PCOS) Diagnosis Actually Mean?

In short: It's a long-term hormonal and metabolic condition that looks different in different people, so the right support depends on your main symptoms.

The new name is a clue. PMOS stands for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, which reflects that the condition involves more than the ovaries. The NHS page notes that it used to be called PCOS, and that there's no cure, but treatments and lifestyle changes can help [2].

It also doesn't look the same in everyone. Some people mainly notice cycle changes or trouble ovulating. Others notice acne, hair growth or thinning, or changes in energy and weight. The NHS lists different treatments for different symptoms, such as the combined pill for irregular periods, medicines or creams for unwanted hair and skin, and fertility treatment when you're trying to conceive [2]. That's why "just take the pill" or "just lose weight" rarely covers it.

So what do you do with that? Work out which parts are most active for you right now, and get support for those. That might be a GP review, therapy, a dietitian, a dermatology referral or a fertility specialist, at different points in your life. Your diagnosis is a starting point, not a verdict.

How Do You Build Your Support Team?

In short: A solid team has a GP who listens, people with lived experience, reliable information and habits you can keep. Build it one step at a time.

There's no perfect set-up, but a good one usually includes:

  • A clinician who listens. Bring a short list of symptoms and questions, and ask for a second opinion if you need one.
  • A community. A Verity local group, an online space, or both.
  • Reliable information. The NHS page, Verity and the guidelines, rather than viral posts.
  • Mental health support when you need it. NHS Talking Therapies, or your GP.
  • Everyday habits you can keep. Regular meals, movement you enjoy and protecting your sleep.

Hormonal literacy isn't complicated, it's just rarely taught. Understanding which parts of PMOS (PCOS) are most active for you (metabolic, skin and hair, cycles, fertility or mood) is what points you to the right help. It's not one condition with one presentation, which is why comparing yourself with someone else's experience can mislead you. Your body is trying to tell you something, and tracking what you notice gives you something concrete to take to a clinician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PMOS (PCOS) a lifelong condition?

It's long-term. The NHS says there's no cure, but treatments and lifestyle changes can help, and symptoms can change over time [2].

Can PMOS (PCOS) affect fertility?

It can, but many people conceive with or without help. The draft NICE guideline says it's often possible to conceive with or without medical assistance [5].

Can I get therapy for anxiety or depression without seeing a GP?

In England you can often refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies, though some services ask you to be registered with a GP, so check your local service [9].

What should I look for in a support group?

Look for clear house rules and moderation, a focus on lived experience, links to evidence and no promises of cures. Be wary of groups that sell products or push strict diets.

Are there free PMOS (PCOS) support resources in the UK?

Yes. The NHS PMOS (PCOS) page is free, Verity lists local groups and online communities on its website (check each for cost and rules), and Samaritans is free on 116 123. Check each service for current details [2, 15, 10].

The Bottom Line

Good support for PMOS (PCOS) is a mix: a clinician who listens, people who understand, and habits you can keep. Peer groups help many people feel understood, though the trial evidence on peer support is mixed, and no supplement replaces care. Use the services above, check them before you rely on them, and don't wait until things are hard to ask for help.

This is what I wish someone had told me: you don't have to figure it out alone. You're not imagining it, and your diagnosis is a starting point, not a verdict.

Related Reading

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Guidance details are accurate to the sources cited at the time of writing, and support services can change, so check each one before you rely on it. MyOva products are food supplements, not medicines, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should not replace a varied diet. If you think you may have PMOS (PCOS), speak to your GP. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours) or your GP urgently, or call 999 in an emergency.

References

  1. Verity. PCOS to PMOS: a letter from Verity. 12 May 2026. https://blog.verity-pcos.org.uk/2026/05/12/pcos-to-pmos-a-letter-from-verity/
  2. NHS. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Last reviewed 30 June 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polyendocrine-metabolic-ovarian-syndrome-pmos/
  3. Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS Consensus Workshop Group. Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2004;81(1):19-25.
  4. Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, et al. Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2023;38(9):1655-1679. doi:10.1093/humrep/dead156
  5. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PMOS): draft guideline for consultation (GID-NG10436). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-ng10436
  6. Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Dunaif A. Insulin resistance and the polycystic ovary syndrome revisited: an update on mechanisms and implications. Endocr Rev. 2012;33(6):981-1030. doi:10.1210/er.2011-1034
  7. Wellbeing of Women. Gynae Geek Dr Anita Mitra and Alice Liveing to host Instagram Live on PCOS. 2022. https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/news/gynae-geek-dr-anita-mitra-and-alice-liveing-to-host-instagram-live-on-pcos/
  8. Cooney LG, Lee I, Sammel MD, Dokras A. High prevalence of moderate and severe depressive and anxiety symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod. 2017;32(5):1075-1091.
  9. NHS. NHS Talking Therapies. Last reviewed 5 November 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/
  10. Samaritans. Talk to us on the phone. https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/
  11. Mind. Helplines. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/
  12. Beat. Helplines. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/
  13. NHS England. Crisis mental health support available for the first time through 111. 27 August 2024. https://www.england.nhs.uk/midlands/2024/08/27/crisis-mental-health-support-available-for-the-first-time-through-111/
  14. Verity. Local groups. https://www.verity-pcos.org.uk/local-groups.html
  15. Verity. Support for you. https://www.verity-pcos.org.uk/support-for-you.html
  16. Reddit. r/PCOS community rules. https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/wiki/rules
  17. Holbrey S, Coulson NS. A qualitative investigation of the impact of peer to peer online support for women living with polycystic ovary syndrome. BMC Womens Health. 2013;13:51. doi:10.1186/1472-6874-13-51
  18. Thompson DM, Booth L, Moore D, Mathers J. Peer support for people with chronic conditions: a systematic review of reviews. BMC Health Serv Res. 2022;22:427. doi:10.1186/s12913-022-07816-7
  19. Reynolds AN, Mann JI, Williams S, Venn BJ. Advice to walk after meals is more effective for lowering postprandial glycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus than advice that does not specify timing: a randomised crossover study. Diabetologia. 2016;59:2572-2578. doi:10.1007/s00125-016-4085-2
  20. Buffey AJ, Herring MP, Langley CK, Donnelly AE, Carson BP. The acute effects of interrupting prolonged sitting time in adults with standing and light-intensity walking on biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2022;52(8):1765-1787. doi:10.1007/s40279-022-01649-4
  21. Aboeldalyl S, James C, Seyam E, Ibrahim EM, Shawki HE-D, Amer S. The role of chronic inflammation in polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(5):2734. doi:10.3390/ijms22052734
  22. González F, Rote NS, Minium J, Kirwan JP. Reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress in the development of insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(1):336-340. doi:10.1210/jc.2005-1696
  23. Fitz V, Graca S, Mahalingaiah S, et al. Inositol for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis to inform the 2023 update of the international evidence-based PCOS guidelines. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2024;109(6):1630-1655. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgad762
Leila Martyn

Leila Martyn

Leila is the founder of MyOva, a UK-based hormonal health brand for women with PMOS (PCOS), endometriosis, perimenopause, PMDD and fertility challenges. Drawing on lived experience and scientific research, she shares evidence-based guidance to help women feel informed about their hormones and cycles.

Discover your perfect product in under a minute!

Take our quiz & get 20% off

References