Petition Calls for Free Annual PMOS Health Checks in Jersey

Campaigners are urging the Government of Jersey to introduce free yearly health reviews for people living with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), saying regular monitoring could improve outcomes and save lives.

A petition launched by PMOS Jersey is calling for everyone aged 10 and over who has been diagnosed with the condition to receive an annual clinical assessment in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

PMOS, which affects around one in eight women, can cause a wide range of symptoms, including irregular periods, excessive hair growth, fertility problems and mood changes. Recent research has also highlighted a link between the condition and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Jessica Pinel, chair of PMOS Jersey and the organiser of the petition, said routine reviews would help identify health concerns early and provide ongoing support for those managing the condition.

She explained that annual appointments could assess symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, fertility concerns, mood and the risk of sleep apnoea, while also reviewing medications and monitoring long-term risks including diabetes and heart disease.

Ms Pinel said regular assessments could prove "life-changing, or even life-saving" by helping prevent more serious health complications from developing.

Her comments come as a major study in the United States found that women with PMOS face a fourfold increase in the risk of developing heart disease. Researchers examined health data from more than 400,000 patients as part of the study.

Earlier this year, the condition was renamed from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), reflecting growing recognition that it affects multiple systems throughout the body rather than only the ovaries.

PMOS Jersey was established last year to provide support, information and advocacy for Islanders living with the condition.

Ms Pinel believes many people are affected without realising it, noting that the condition presents differently from person to person. Symptoms can range from irregular menstrual cycles and infertility to sleep apnoea and metabolic complications.

She said growing awareness has encouraged more women to speak openly about their experiences and has helped reduce the stigma surrounding the condition.

For anyone who suspects they may have PMOS, Ms Pinel encouraged seeking medical advice and pursuing further assessment if their concerns are not being addressed.

She said patients should remember they are entitled to seek a second opinion if they feel their symptoms are being overlooked, adding that she only received her own diagnosis after consulting another doctor.

Ms Pinel also highlighted the range of healthcare professionals available in Jersey to support those living with PMOS, including doctors, nutritionists, personal trainers, counsellors, psychologists, acupuncturists and the Women's Health Hub.