PCOS and Egg Quality: What You Need to Know

An important update: On 12 May 2026, an international consensus published in The Lancet renamed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). The new name reflects what we now understand about the condition's wider hormonal effects, including its impact on egg development and ovarian function, which we explore below. Both names will be used during the transition to the 2028 ICD update. Read our explainer on what the rename means for your hormones and fertility.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), now also known as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) following a 2026 global consensus published in The Lancet, is not just a condition that affects menstrual cycles or causes ovarian cysts. It can also have a significant impact on the quality of a woman's eggs.

Let's explore how PCOS affects egg quality and what steps can be taken to improve it.

What is PCOS (PMOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that affects women of reproductive age. One of its most prominent symptoms is irregular ovulation, which in turn affects fertility.

How Does PMOS (formerly PCOS) Affect Egg Quality?

PCOS can disrupt the normal development of eggs in the ovaries. The hormonal imbalances that characterise PCOS can lead to eggs that are less mature or have genetic abnormalities, thus affecting their quality and the chances of successful fertilisation.

The Science Behind Egg Quality

Every egg has the potential to be fertilised and develop into an embryo. However, the hormonal imbalances in PCOS can create an unfavourable environment for egg development, leading to lower-quality eggs that may have trouble achieving fertilisation or sustaining a pregnancy.

Treatment Options to Improve Egg Quality

Medications

Drugs like Clomid or Letrozole may be prescribed to stimulate ovulation and improve egg quality in women with PCOS.

Lifestyle Changes

A balanced diet and regular exercise can help regulate hormones, thereby potentially improving egg quality.

Supplements

Supplements like CoQ10, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Myo-Inositol have shown promise in enhancing egg quality in some studies.

IVF and ICSI

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are advanced fertility treatments that can be considered for women with PCOS who are struggling with poor egg quality.

Consult a Specialist

Always consult a fertility specialist for a personalised treatment plan. Diagnostic tests like antral follicle count or ovarian reserve tests can provide valuable information on your egg quality.

Understanding how PCOS affects egg quality is crucial for anyone struggling with this condition and trying to conceive. Medications, lifestyle changes, and even advanced fertility treatments can offer hope for improving egg quality and achieving a successful pregnancy.