People with PMOS (formerly known as PCOS) may be more likely to develop psoriasis. Psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis.

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is an imbalance of reproductive hormones that can cause issues in the ovaries.

PMOS can cause an absence of or irregular menstrual periods, which may lead to infertility. A person with PMOS may also experience atypical growths on one or both ovaries.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a long-term condition that affects the joints and typically worsens over time. PsA occurs when the immune system becomes overactive. It typically causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints. People with PsA often already have the skin condition psoriasis.

This article discusses the link between PMOS and PsA, whether PMOS can lead to autoimmune diseases, what role inflammation plays in PMOS and PsA, treatments, and more.

The article also includes the personal experience of Angela Grassi, a registered dietitian has PMOS and PsA. She is also the CEO of the PCOS Nutrition Center.

In May 2026, global experts officially changed the name for PCOS to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Experts say the name change more accurately reflects the condition as something that affects the whole body.

You may see both terms used, as rollout of the new term is expected to take several years, with full integration into international guidelines and insurance documentation by 2028.

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PMOS is a common condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the United States. Studies suggest that people with PMOS are more likely to develop the skin condition psoriasis.

Approximately 20% of people with psoriasis have PsA.

However, currently, no research suggests that PMOS and PsA can directly cause each other.

Alongside the link with psoriasis, there are several other connections between PMOS and PsA.

Angela’s story: I was diagnosed with PMOS and later PsA

“I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2005 and PsA in 2013. Having PCOS did not help me find PsA.”

Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when the cells in the body have difficulty responding to insulin and cannot easily move glucose from the blood. When this happens, the pancreas has to compensate by making more insulin.

It is common for people with PMOS to have insulin resistance.

Studies also show that people with PsA are more at risk of developing insulin resistance.

Angela’s story: Insulin resistance makes my PsA worse

“Having insulin resistance makes my inflammation and PsA worse, and vice versa.

High insulin stimulates inflammatory markers, and having inflammation can increase insulin. Having the two together makes it harder to manage weight, cravings, and blood sugar.

If the inflammation is hard, it can affect my ability to move my body in the ways I enjoy.”

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that can increase the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome can occur when a person has obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.

Research suggests that people with PsA are at a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Studies also show that 43% of adult women with PMOS have metabolic syndrome.

People with PMOS have an imbalance of certain hormones, including low levels of progesterone.

These low progesterone levels can overstimulate the immune system into making too much estrogen.

Research suggests that higher levels of estrogen may lead to autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.

People with PsA can have overactive immune systems, which can lead to inflammatory abnormalities and present as inflammation in the joints.

A review of studies notes that although current literature indicates that people with PMOS also experience long-term inflammation in the body, there is no firm evidence to confirm a link between the two conditions.

Angela’s story: Anti-inflammatory foods, supplements, and exercise help

“Focusing on anti-inflammatory foods has helped both conditions a lot.

This means lots of fruits and vegetables, omega-3 rich fats like salmon and avocados and nuts, and taking supplements shown in studies to reduce inflammation and IR, such as turmeric, coQ10, vitamin D, and fish oil.

Exercise also helps to manage both, as well as getting good quality sleep.”

There is currently no cure for PMOS. However, treatments are available to help a person manage their symptoms and reduce their risk of developing other health conditions. These treatments include:

  • eating a balanced diet
  • getting regular exercise
  • taking medications, including:
    • hormonal birth control
    • anti-androgen medications
    • metformin
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • removing hair with hair removal creams or laser removal
  • slowing hair growth with medications, such as eflornithine HCl cream

Treatments for PsA can include:

  • taking medications, such as:
  • making lifestyle changes, such as:
    • quitting smoking if you smoke
    • reducing stress wherever possible
    • following a nutritious, balanced diet
  • getting regular exercise with low impact activities, such as:
    • walking
    • swimming
    • yoga

An early diagnosis of PMOS or PsA is important to help treat and manage the conditions as effectively as possible.

It is best to contact a doctor if a person has any of the following symptoms of PMOS or PsA:

  • irregular or no menstrual periods
  • difficulty getting pregnant
  • unexplained weight gain
  • excessive hair growth or thinning hair
  • acne
  • painful, itchy, and red or discolored rashes on the skin
  • pain, tenderness, warmth, and swelling in the joints
  • fatigue
  • low grade fever

The following are some questions people frequently ask about PMOS, inflammation, and psoriasis.

Does PMOS cause inflammation in the joints?

Currently, no research suggests that PMOS causes inflammation in the joints. However, studies show that people with PMOS may be more likely to develop osteoarthritis (OA). A characteristic of OA is low levels of joint inflammation that can lead to wear and tear of the joints.

However, the study also stated that people without obesity may have a lower risk of OA than those with it. The connection may be more relevant to obesity than PMOS. More research is needed.

Are psoriasis and PMOS linked?

Some studies suggest that people with PMOS have a greater risk of developing psoriasis.

What kind of inflammation can PMOS cause?

Some literature indicates that PMOS can lead to long-term, low-grade inflammation in the body, although there is not enough evidence to confirm the link. However, inflammation can be a risk factor for developing heart conditions.

There are significant links between PMOS and PsA. Both conditions can lead to inflammation in the body and may lead to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Research also suggests that there is a direct link between PMOS and psoriasis, which is a skin condition that can eventually lead to PsA. Approximately 20% of people with psoriasis will develop PsA.

However, there is currently no research to suggest that having PMOS is a direct cause of PsA.