Tipperary people urged to get involved as new PMOS Ireland organisation launches

As PMOS Month takes place this September, a new Irish organisation is launching to give people living with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) a stronger national voice and is calling on people in Tipperary to get involved.

PMOS Ireland, founded by Morgan Sweeney, has been established following the international change in terminology from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

The name change was announced following a global consensus process involving international clinical, academic and patient organisations. The new terminology aims to better reflect the fact that the condition is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder, rather than a condition simply centred on ovarian cysts.

PMOS affects approximately one in eight women worldwide, or more than 170 million people. It can affect periods, ovulation, fertility, skin and hair, metabolic health and mental wellbeing, while also being associated with an increased risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

For PMOS Ireland founder Morgan Sweeney, the international name change represents an important opportunity to change how the condition is understood in Ireland.

“For too long, people with PMOS have been told that it's ‘just irregular periods’ or simply a fertility issue. The new name recognises what patients have known for years: this is a complex endocrine and metabolic condition that deserves to be understood properly.

“PMOS Month is the perfect time to start that conversation in Ireland. We want PMOS Ireland to become a place where people can find reliable information, feel less alone, and have a voice in shaping the future of care.”

PMOS Ireland says it wants to broaden the conversation around the condition beyond fertility alone.

The organisation intends to highlight the wider impact of PMOS, including endocrine and metabolic health, mental wellbeing, cardiovascular health and the challenges many people face in obtaining a diagnosis and appropriate care.

It also aims to combat misinformation online and promote accessible, evidence-based information developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and researchers.

Among PMOS Ireland's long-term ambitions are:

Improving public awareness of PMOS across Ireland

Supporting people who have recently been diagnosed with reliable information

Advocating for earlier diagnosis and improved access to care

Promoting greater recognition of PMOS within Irish healthcare

Encouraging and supporting Irish research into endocrine and metabolic health

Giving people living with PMOS a stronger voice in discussions about healthcare and policy

As part of its launch, PMOS Ireland is currently looking for county representatives across Ireland, including in Tipperary.

The organisation is calling on people who live in Tipperary, have a connection to PMOS and want to make a difference to come forward and represent their county at a national level.

County representatives will help PMOS Ireland build a community network across the country, raise awareness locally and ensure that the experiences of people outside Dublin and the major urban centres are represented nationally.

Anyone interested in becoming the Tipperary representative for PMOS Ireland is encouraged to get in touch with the organisation.

“People living with PMOS shouldn't have to feel that they are dealing with this alone,” said Morgan.

“We want to build PMOS Ireland from the ground up, with people from every county having the opportunity to have their voices heard. We would particularly love to hear from people in Tipperary who want to get involved during PMOS Month.”

PMOS Ireland is currently developing partnerships with healthcare professionals, researchers, community organisations and patient advocates as it works towards registering as a not-for-profit organisation.

People interested in supporting PMOS Ireland, becoming a county representative or sharing their experiences can contact the organisation directly.