Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Renamed to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome After Global Consensus

Following a 14-year global consensus process, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). The change, affecting 170 million women, addresses the old name's inaccuracy, as the condition is not defined by cysts. The new name emphasizes its systemic hormonal and metabolic nature, aiming to improve diagnosis, broaden research, and encourage more holistic care for its wide-ranging symptoms.

PCOS renamed to PMOS

• ▪A three-year transition period is underway, with the PMOS name to be fully implemented in the 2028 International Guideline update.
• ▪Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been officially renamed to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
• ▪The renaming was the result of a 14-year global consensus process led by Professor Helena Teede of Monash University.
• ▪A coalition of 56 international academic, clinical, and patient organizations supported the decision.

Diagnostic criteria for PMOS

• ▪The ultrasound finding for diagnosis is an increase in ovarian follicles, which are distinct from pathological cysts.
• ▪Diagnosis in adults requires meeting two of three criteria: irregular menstrual cycles, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, or specific ultrasound findings.

Symptom range of PMOS

• ▪The condition increases the long-term risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer.
• ▪Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain.
• ▪PMOS affects an estimated 170 million women worldwide, or 10-13% of women of reproductive age.
• ▪PMOS is also associated with psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

Rationale for terminology change

• ▪This narrow focus contributed to delayed diagnoses, with up to 70% of cases going undiagnosed, and fragmented patient care.
• ▪The name PCOS was deemed inaccurate as the condition does not cause an increase in abnormal ovarian cysts.
• ▪The previous name obscured the condition's diverse metabolic, endocrine, psychological, and dermatological features by focusing too narrowly on the ovaries.

Patient experiences with diagnosis

• ▪The consensus process included surveys of nearly 15,000 people with the condition and multidisciplinary health professionals.
• ▪Patients reported that under the old name, their non-reproductive symptoms were often dismissed and care was delayed until they sought to conceive.

Treatment approaches for PMOS

• ▪The change is intended to clarify that patients may need referrals to specialists beyond OB-GYNs, such as endocrinologists.
• ▪The name change is expected to encourage a more holistic treatment approach, addressing metabolic, mental health, and dermatological issues.