After more than a decade of global consultation, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a condition that affects one in eight women – has been officially renamed. The hormonal disorder, estimated to impact 170 million women worldwide, will now be known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The name change was published in The Lancet and announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague, marking a historic shift in how this complex condition is understood and treated.
The renaming was spearheaded by endocrinologist Prof Helena Teede, director of Melbourne’s Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation. For too long, experts including Teede say, the misleading term “polycystic” in PCOS contributed to delayed diagnosis and inadequate medical care. The new name, PMOS, is hoped to better reflect the condition’s complex nature – which affects not only the reproductive system but also metabolism and the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Why the Name Change Matters
The term “polycystic” has been a source of confusion for decades. Many women diagnosed with PCOS do not actually have cysts on their ovaries. Instead, what appears on ultrasound are eggs in arrested development, not true ovarian cysts that can enlarge, bleed, or require surgery. Prof Teede emphasizes that “there are no abnormal cysts in PCOS.”
This misnomer led to delayed diagnosis and inadequate care. Patients like Maddy Mavrikis, diagnosed at age 15, were told they would never have children – a statement that later proved false. Mavrikis never had ovarian cysts, yet her doctor insisted she would eventually develop them. Her mother, a pathology professional, questioned the name immediately, recognizing the condition was more hormonal than ovarian.
What PMOS Actually Is
PMOS is a broad endocrine and metabolic disorder. Its effects on the body “are virtually all endocrine – hormonal,” says Prof Teede. The condition involves:
- Hormone imbalances: Excess androgens (male sex hormones) leading to symptoms like acne, excessive hair growth, and irregular periods.
- Insulin resistance: Affects about 85% of women with PMOS, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Metabolic issues: Higher risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
- Reproductive challenges: Irregular ovulation can affect fertility, but many women with PMOS can and do conceive with proper management.
How This New Name Empowers Patients
For decades, the term PCOS focused attention solely on the ovaries, leading many women to believe their condition was purely reproductive. The new name, PMOS, acknowledges the full scope of the disorder. This shift is expected to improve diagnosis rates and encourage more comprehensive care, including metabolic screening and cardiovascular risk assessment.
“The new name moves away from the incorrect focus on cysts … to recognizing this is a much broader condition,” Teede explains. Patients like Mavrikis feel validated. “I never had – and still don’t have – cysts on my ovaries, so never really understood why I was diagnosed with ‘polycystic ovaries’,” she says. The name change finally aligns the medical terminology with her lived experience.
Global Collaboration Behind the Change
The renaming was the result of 14 years of collaboration between international societies and patient groups across six continents. This unprecedented global effort was led by experts in endocrinology, gynecology, and patient advocacy. The announcement at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague underscores the scientific consensus behind the shift.
By valuing patients’ voices and incorporating their feedback, the medical community has taken a significant step toward destigmatizing the condition and improving health outcomes for millions of women worldwide.
FAQ About PMOS
What is the difference between PCOS and PMOS?
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) has been renamed to PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome). The new name better reflects the condition’s hormonal and metabolic aspects, moving away from the misleading focus on ovarian cysts. The diagnostic criteria and treatment remain the same, but the name change aims to improve understanding and reduce misdiagnosis.
Will my existing diagnosis change automatically?
No, your diagnosis will not change automatically. The name change is a medical and scientific update, not a regulatory one. However, healthcare providers are encouraged to adopt the new terminology in their practice. If you have PCOS, you can discuss the new name with your doctor and understand how it better describes your condition.
Does the name change affect treatment options?
No, treatment options remain the same. Management of PMOS focuses on hormone regulation, insulin resistance (often with metformin), lifestyle changes, and fertility support as needed. The new name simply provides a more accurate framework for understanding the condition and advocating for comprehensive care.
