Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) - Whole blood and components

Essential information

Obligatory

If the donor has PMOS with associated high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolaemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea, skin effects, fertility effects, psychological effects or any other features, refer to each relevant entry.

Discretionary

A diagnosis of PMOS does not necessarily prevent donation.

If the donor is eligible according to all other relevant entries, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Acne
• Alopecia
• Anti-androgens
• Blood pressure, high
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Fertility
• Hair removal
• Hypercholesterolaemia
• Laser treatment
• Liver disease
• Mental health problems
• Pregnancy
• Sleep apnoea
• Surgery
• Vitamins and other nutritional supplements
• Weight loss medication

Additional information

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrom (PMOS) is a common condition. It was previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

The exact cause is unknown but it is associated with imbalances of hormones (e.g. insulin, androgens, neuroendocrine and ovarian hormones), affecting multiple systems within the body.

This gives rise to the following clinical features:

• Metabolic - obesity, dysglycaemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea
• Reproductive - irregular periods, infertility, pregnancy complications, endometrial cancer
• Psychological - depression, anxiety, eating disorders
• Dermatological - acne, alopecia (hair loss), hirsutism (excess facial or body hair)

Medication prescribed for the condition includes the combined oral contraceptive pill, progestin-only contraceptive pill, metformin and anti-androgens (e.g. spironolactone) to ameliorate the underlying hormonal imbalances and clinical features.

Due to the multiple effects of the condition, donors may also be taking other drugs or nutritional supplements or require (or have required) other types of treatment: psychological therapies, lifestyle and weight management, complementary therapies, fertility investigations and treatment, cosmetic procedures and surgery.

Taking medication or undergoing treatment for this condition is not in itself a reason for deferral, unless the medication or treatment specifically precludes donation (e.g. finasteride).

Reason for change:

The entry has been renamed from ‘Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)’ to reflect the new name for this condition. Essential and supporting information has been updated to amend references to the previous name, to clarify the assessment of donor eligibility, and to include additional information about the condition.

Version:

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 82 (17 September 2026)