Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to more accurately reflect its nature as a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder. The change, a result of a 14-year global effort, aims to improve diagnosis and care for the 170 million women affected by shifting focus from ovarian 'cysts'—a misnomer—to the condition's systemic health risks, including diabetes and heart disease.
PCOS to PMOS name change
- ▪Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been officially renamed to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
- ▪The change was announced in May 2026 at the European Congress of Endocrinology and published in The Lancet.
- ▪The name change resulted from a 14-year global effort led by Monash University involving over 50 patient and professional organizations.
- ▪A three-year transition period is planned, with the new name to be fully implemented in the 2028 International Guideline update.
Diagnostic criteria for PMOS
- ▪Hyperandrogenism is the overproduction of testosterone, which can cause acne, baldness, or excessive hair growth.
- ▪Diagnosis of PMOS requires meeting two of three criteria: irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, or specific ultrasound/blood test results.
Symptom range beyond fertility
- ▪PMOS affects an estimated 170 million women worldwide, or about 1 in 8, though up to 70% of cases may go undiagnosed.
- ▪Symptoms can include irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
- ▪The condition is linked to increased risks of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer.
Rationale for abandoning polycystic terminology
- ▪Research shows women with PMOS do not have a higher rate of abnormal ovarian cysts than women without the condition.
- ▪The term "polycystic" was deemed a misnomer as the ovarian features are underdeveloped egg follicles, not pathological cysts.
- ▪The old name's focus on ovaries obscured the condition's broader endocrine and metabolic nature, leading to fragmented care and delayed diagnosis.
Patient responses to rebrand
- ▪Some women reported that under the old name, doctors dismissed non-fertility symptoms or told them to return when trying to conceive.
- ▪Patients and advocates hope the new name will lead to earlier diagnosis and more holistic treatments that address all symptoms.
Expert support for change
- ▪Dr. Helena Teede, who led the process, said the old name was "very inaccurate" and led to a misunderstanding of the complex condition.
- ▪Experts believe the new name more accurately reflects the science and will improve patient care by encouraging a comprehensive approach.
- ▪The change is expected to increase research funding and may help spur official approval for "off-label" treatments like metformin.
PMOS Resources
- ▪Global Consensus Renames PCOS to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) | Nutritional Outlook - Supplement, Food & Beverage Manufacturing Trends
- ▪A Medical Revolutionary Change for a Misunderstood Disease that Affects Women: Why PCOS is now PMOS | Newswise
- ▪Monash University leads effort to rename Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
- ▪A hormonal condition that affects tens of millions of women is being renamed. Here's why that's important | CBC News
- ▪PCOS Got A New Name, One Experts Hope Will Change How Women Receive Care
- ▪The name of this health condition was 'very inaccurate'. Now it's changed
- ▪Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: New name to improve diagnosis and care of condition affecting 170 million women worldwide
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