iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinepolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Does facial hair and irregular periods indicate PCOS/PMOS?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello Doctor,

I am a 33-year-old woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 38. My recent blood test showed a fasting insulin level of 26 μIU/mL (micro-international units per milliliter) and a homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) score of 5.3. I have irregular menstrual periods and facial hair. Please let me know:

  1. Could this be PCOS or PMOS?
  2. Is there a connection between obesity and high estrogen levels in women?
  3. What weight-loss treatments are safe while trying to become pregnant?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on your symptoms and lab values, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), now known as PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome), is a possibility. Irregular menstrual periods, facial hair (hirsutism), and insulin resistance, characterized by high fasting insulin and a high homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, are common signs. Obesity can make insulin resistance worse, which then leads to increased production of male hormones (androgens), one of the main features of PCOS or PMOS.

While people often mention “estrogen dominance,” what usually happens in PCOS or PMOS is a hormonal imbalance where estrogen remains at a moderate level, and progesterone stays low due to the lack of regular ovulation. This imbalance can affect menstrual cycles and fertility.

For weight loss while trying to become pregnant, lifestyle changes are the first recommended step. Metformin is often used in PCOS/PMOS to improve insulin sensitivity and support ovulation. You can also take a myoinositol supplement, which helps improve insulin sensitivity and egg quality since you are trying to conceive.

So, for weight loss, I strongly recommend focusing on lifestyle changes with a healthy diet and regular exercise, as there is no quick solution for safe weight loss.

I suggest focusing on lifestyle changes and adding Metformin and Myoinositol to help improve insulin sensitivity, egg quality, and regulate menstrual cycles, which can also make weight loss easier.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At September 17, 2025
Reviewed AtMay 26, 2026

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.