PMOS Diet: Eating to Manage Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome

Editor’s Note: In May 2026, the Endocrine Society and other international experts officially renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This change better reflects the condition’s nature as a systemic metabolic disorder. This article has been updated to reflect the new terminology.

If you’ve been diagnosed with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your doctor may start you on a variety of medical treatments — but lifestyle changes can also be a major part of PMOS management. One important area where you can make healthy changes is your diet. Though there’s no “official” PMOS diet, evidence shows that certain patterns of eating may ease PMOS symptoms.

PMOS Diet Basics

Meanwhile, a focus on anti-inflammatory foods (which also include whole grains, legumes, fruits, veggies, fatty fish, and some herbs and spices) is another good approach. “[This] helps lower the inflammation levels common in PMOS,” says Groves Azzaro. She adds that supporting your gut and hormone health with both soluble and insoluble fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics can help your body effectively get rid of excess hormones.

Several mainstream diets may have a positive effect on PMOS. Here’s what we know so far.

Low-Carb or Ketogenic Diet

Low-carb and ketogenic diets are popular among women with PMOS, especially those looking to lose weight or improve insulin resistance, says Alyssa Pacheco, RD, the Boston-based creator of PCOS Nutritionist Alyssa. “Limiting carbs can decrease blood sugar levels and ultimately reduce insulin resistance. It can also promote weight loss, which may improve symptoms as well,” she says.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is based on the eating patterns of people living around the Mediterranean Sea and is rich in whole foods, especially vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil. “These foods naturally contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to lower chronic inflammation, which is common for women with PMOS,” says Pacheco. “The foods consumed on a Mediterranean diet also tend to be high fiber, which is an important nutrient for improving gut health and stabilizing blood sugar levels.” She adds that the anti-inflammatory nature of a Mediterranean diet could also reduce insulin resistance.

DASH Diet

For Americans, a DASH diet may have an advantage over a Mediterranean diet because it typically involves foods that are more familiar to people used to eating a Western diet. “This can be easier to adhere to for some than a dietary pattern that is very different from what they’re currently eating,” says Groves Azzaro. “And since PMOS is a lifelong condition, any diet changes that you plan on making, you need to be able to stick with for a lifetime.”

Best Foods for PMOS

In general, the best foods for PMOS are minimally processed choices. They include:

• Lean proteins, such as skinless chicken, lean beef, tofu, tempeh, and eggs
• Fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel
• Nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds
• Whole grains, such as whole-wheat breads and pasta, barley, brown rice, quinoa, and oats
• Beans and legumes, including black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, white beans, and lentils
• Leafy green vegetables, such as kale, collard greens, spinach, and mustard greens
• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
• Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, and carrots
• Fruits, including apples, bananas, berries, cherries, kiwi, papaya, pears, and pomegranate
• Healthy fats, such as olive oil, ground flaxseed, and avocados
• Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like garlic, turmeric, and ginger
• Water, tea, or other low-sugar beverages

Foods to Avoid if You Have PMOS

“There aren’t any foods that are automatically off-limits for women with PMOS,” says Pacheco. “However, there are some foods which, when consumed frequently or in large quantities, may worsen PMOS symptoms.” These may include:

• Refined grains, such as white breads, pastas, crackers, and rice
• Ultra-processed foods, including packaged snacks, flavored chips, or protein bars
• Processed meats, such as deli meat, sausage, and salami
• Foods with added sugars, such as candy, cakes, cookies, brownies, and ice cream
• Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda, sweet teas, lemonade, and fruit juice (even if it doesn’t have any added sugar)

The Role of Gluten in PMOS

You may have heard chatter on social media about the relationship between PMOS and gluten. While some women report feeling better when eliminating gluten from their diets, evidence is lacking to support a direct connection between PMOS and gluten sensitivity. “There have been no studies either establishing a link between PMOS and gluten sensitivity or on the benefits of a gluten-free diet for PMOS,” says Groves Azzaro.

That said, every person’s experience is different. If you feel your symptoms are improved by scaling back on gluten (or outright nixing it from your diet), you may want to seek out gluten-free recipes for PMOS.

PMOS and Weight Loss

Weight gain is a symptom of PMOS, not a cause, says Groves Azzaro. But excess weight can worsen symptoms by increasing insulin resistance and overall inflammation.

Unfortunately, traditional approaches to weight loss may not always be successful for women with this condition. Weight loss becomes especially challenging in the face of issues like insulin resistance, inflammation, elevated androgen levels, cortisol dysregulation, and thyroid problems, Groves Azzaro says. She suggests working with your healthcare team to identify and address which of these root causes are to blame for weight loss difficulties.

You can always work with your providers to develop a diet plan for PMOS weight loss too. “In general, we want to focus on a balanced meal plan that is in a slight deficit for steady weight loss, exercising in alignment with the guidelines (150 to 300 minutes of cardio per week, plus two to three full-body workouts with weights each week), managing stress, and getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night,” says Groves Azzaro.

Tips for Eating a Balanced Diet With PMOS

A balanced diet ensures that you get adequate nutrition with PMOS. In addition to nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats, you may want to focus on a few “extras,” whether from food or supplements. “There are some supplements that are foundational for most people with PMOS, including myo-inositol and vitamin D to improve insulin sensitivity, and omega-3-rich fish oil to lower inflammation and testosterone levels,” says Groves Azzaro.

Other potential supplements for PMOS, she says, include magnesium glycinate for sleep, magnesium citrate for constipation, ashwagandha for stress, and turmeric, resveratrol, or quercetin for inflammation. Research is limited, though, and further studies are needed to better understand the potential role of these supplements in a PMOS treatment plan. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before adding any supplements to your routine, as some supplements interact with other medications, and others may worsen certain health issues. Your doctor can also order a blood test to check for any deficiencies.

“Work with a practitioner like a dietitian to help determine which supplements may be helpful as well as safe and effective in your situation,” she suggests. “And always check with your healthcare practitioner before starting a new supplement.”