What if the symptoms we associate with PMOS are actually signs of a much bigger metabolic picture?
In this episode of the IRH Clinician's Corner, Margaret Floyd Barry sits down with one of IRH's most esteemed faculty members, Sara Fields, to unpack a major shift in women's health: the renaming of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome). Together, they explore what this new name truly means for clinicians and clients alike, why it's a long-overdue change, and how it reflects a deeper understanding of the metabolic and endocrine complexities behind this common condition.
Inside this episode, we explore:
- Why PCOS is becoming PMOS
- The symptoms practitioners may be missing
- Insulin resistance as a key driver
- The gut–hormone connection
- Essential testing for suspected PMOS
- Addressing root causes, not just androgen levels
The Clinician's Corner is brought to you by the Institute of Restorative Health: https://instituteofrestorativehealth.com/
Upcoming Event:
Margaret Floyd Barry is teaching a free session on September 15 for practitioners who want a smaller, structured offer to bring new clients in the door. She's walking through how to build a challenge-style entry point using CGM data, tested across real client volume in her own corporate wellness practice. If you've been asking too much, too soon, of new clients before they know you, this is worth an hour. Register Here!
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Connect with Sara Fields:
Website: https://sarafieldswellness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarafieldswellness/
Timestamps:
00:00 Expanding the conversation on diagnosis
08:48 Shifting focus to endocrine aspects
12:33 Patient involvement in global initiative
22:06 Understanding insulin resistance in PCOS
25:56 Hormonal Imbalances in PMOS
28:55 PCOS diagnosis criteria updates
34:59 Gut Health and Hormonal Balance
40:45 Importance of gut testing
48:43 Developing client treatment protocols
52:02 Addressing sleep apnea in PMOS
58:32 Connecting the dots on symptoms
01:03:26 Broadening diagnostic perspectives
Guest bio:
Sara Fields has been an instructor with IRH since March 2019. She teaches and mentors across all four levels—GI Healing, Hormones, Blood Chemistry, and Clinical Mastery—and has played a supportive role in the organization's leadership team.
Sara has been immersed in the world of food and nutrition for over 20 years. Her journey has taken her through organic farming, sustainable agriculture, specialty food retail, and, ultimately, to certifications as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (2014) and Restorative Health Practitioner (2015). Her passion for the tools she learned at IRH led her to become the very first intern and, eventually, a lead instructor for all of the courses.
In her private practice, Sara Fields Wellness, she and her team take a gut-centric approach to supporting clients with chronic and complex health concerns, including skin conditions, autoimmunity, digestive issues, and metabolic challenges. She has also developed and taught fertility and prenatal nutrition classes for a local childbirth education organization, hosted community wellness meetups, and taught garden lessons at her children's elementary school.
Keywords:
functional health practitioners, polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS, PMOS, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, metabolic health, endocrine system, reproductive hormones, insulin resistance, blood sugar dysregulation, testosterone, DHEAS, sex hormone binding globulin, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, ovulatory cycles, cardiometabolic health, gut health, microbiome, estrobolome, estrogen detoxification, beta-glucuronidase, visceral fat, lipid panel, hs-CRP, adrenal hormones, HPO axis, blood testing
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series are those of the individual speakers and interviewees, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute of Restorative Health, LLC. The Institute of Restorative Health, LLC does not specifically endorse or approve of any of the information or opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series. The information and opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series are for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional. The Institute of Restorative Health, LLC is not liable for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of the information or opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series. By viewing or listening to this information, you agree to hold the Institute of Restorative Health, LLC harmless from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with your participation. Thank you for your understanding.
