Episode 45

full
Published on:

20th May 2026

From PCOS to PMOS: What the Name Change Means for You with Professor Helena Teede

In this special episode of The Fertility Podcast, we've gone back into our archives for 2024 to share a conversation Kate Davies (former co-host and fertility nurse consultant) had with Professor Helena Teede all the way from Australia!

Helena is one of the authors of the International PCOS Guidelines and is here to talk about the changes to the PCOS guidelines and the proposed PCOS name change, which has now happened.

What is discussed:

  • PCOS in general, chatting about the symptoms of PCOS, both the common ones and the not so common
  • Weight stigma and how the new guidelines move away from this and instead why we should be helping women to just be healthy to manage their PCOS proactively
  • Potential risks around pregnancy and that it is not often identified, as well as the support for pregnant women with PCOS, or sadly the lack of
  • How Helena supported two men with PCOS, and the steps she takes to help them manage their condition and optimise fertility
  • Diets and eating right as Helena explains that there is no one diet, or right way to eat when it comes to PCOS, and opinions on the supplement Inositol
  • The proposed PCOS name change and how PCOS is not an ovarian disease so therefore the name is incorrect

Socials and links:

About Verity: the UK's only PCOS charity

Verity is the UK's only charity dedicated to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS. Founded in 1997, Verity is completely self-funded and exists to help everyone living with PMOS understand their condition, manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. They offer evidence-based information, community support, local support groups and an anonymous online forum.

About Fertility Action

The Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, the UK's charity providing education, support and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment. They run free peer support groups every week, no sign-up or commitment needed.

Support the Three Peaks Challenge

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About the Podcast

The Fertility Podcast
The Fertility Podcast|Expert interviews|Women and Men sharing #TTC stories|Wellbeing support
If you’ve found your route to parenthood hasn’t been straightforward, The Fertility Podcast is for you. From how to optimise your fertility to getting pregnant naturally, navigating IVF, understanding donor conception or surrogacy to how to prepare for a life without children. Whatever your situation, you are not alone. Created by Natalie Silverman, a former fertility patient in 2014 Natalie set about speaking to experts and sharing lived experience and expert interviews In 2019 Kate Davies, an independent fertility nurse consultant joined as co-host and from 2023-2024, Kate hosted the podcast solo sharing more of her expert insight and stories from her patients. Now over a deace old The Fertility Podcast is proud to partner with Fertility Action, a new UK charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by infertility, secondary infertility, or sub-fertility. Together, we aim to amplify our mission of education, empowerment, and support. Fertility Action combines patient advocacy with expert knowledge to offer peer support, therapy, and reliable information. They are also committed to improving fertility care access, raising awareness, and driving research to advance understanding and treatment.

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About your host

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Natalie Silverman