The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) Journal recently released their highly anticipated Editor Selections—a curated list of articles hand-picked by the Editor-in-Chief to highlight the most significant and impactful work published in our field.
One of the standout pieces selected was a brilliant paper by renowned women’s health expert Dr. Lara Briden, titled: “Beyond the Label: A Patient-Centred Approach to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” While originally published in 2022, its inclusion in this recent “Best Of” selection couldn’t be more timely. Why? Because the medical community is finally catching up to the exact point Dr. Briden made: the “PCOS” label is flawed. In fact, the condition has recently been officially renamed to PMOS: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.
Article: “Beyond the Label: A Patient-Centred Approach to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome”
Author: Lara Briden
Publication: CAND Journal, Vol. 29 No. 2 (2022) https://candjournal.ca/index.php/candj/article/view/114
Why the Name Change? (From PCOS to PMOS)
For decades, women with this condition have been slapped with the “PCOS” label, handed a prescription for the birth control pill, and told to come back when they want to get pregnant.
But as the new PMOS name suggests, this is not just an issue with the ovaries, and it is rarely fixed by simply masking the reproductive symptoms with synthetic hormones.
The name was updated to include the words Polyendocrine and Metabolic because the root cause almost always lies within your metabolic health and the broader endocrine (hormone) system. PMOS is not a one-size-fits-all disease. It is a set of symptoms driven by distinct underlying issues—most notably insulin resistance, as well as hidden chronic inflammation or adrenal stress.
Dr. Jennifer’s Takeaway: Finding Your Unique Driver
This Editor’s Selection, and the recent medical name change, perfectly validate the core philosophy of naturopathic medicine: we must treat the patient, not just the diagnosis.
When conventional medicine just throws the birth control pill at the problem, we never actually address the abnormal hormones or the metabolic drivers causing the issue in the first place.
In my practice, we actively look beyond the label. By running comprehensive lab work—like fasting insulin, full thyroid panels, and the DUTCH Hormone Test—we can see exactly why your body is struggling to ovulate or overproducing male hormones (androgens).
- Is insulin resistance affecting your blood sugar?
- Are your adrenals exhausted from chronic stress?
- Is an underlying gut issue driving systemic inflammation?
Once we identify your specific, unique driver, we don’t just manage your symptoms. We use targeted nutrition, lifestyle shifts, and specific nutraceuticals to restore your natural hormone balance and resolve your symptoms (like hormonal acne, irregular periods, facial hair, or weight gain) for good.
Have You Been Given a PCOS/PMOS Label But No Real Answers?
It is time to dig deeper. You deserve a healthcare approach that treats your unique biology, not just a broad diagnosis. Book a comprehensive hormone assessment with Dr. Jennifer Luis today to find your true root cause.
References:
- Briden L. Beyond the Label: A Patient-Centred Approach to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. CAND Journal. Available from: https://candjournal.ca/index.php/candj/article/view/114
