Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been officially renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) by a global consensus of experts. The change, announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague and published in The Lancet, aims to better reflect the condition's hormonal, metabolic, and ovarian impacts.
The renaming initiative, led by Helena Teede, director of the Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation, was based on input from 56 academic, clinical, and patient organizations, as well as feedback from over 14,000 women with the condition. The previous name, PCOS, was deemed misleading as it suggested ovarian cysts were the primary issue, when in reality, the condition involves a broader range of health complications.
PMOS affects approximately one in eight women worldwide and is linked to infertility, metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues. The new name emphasizes the condition's endocrine and metabolic aspects, which experts hope will lead to fewer misdiagnoses and better treatment outcomes.
The condition is diagnosed through a combination of blood work, physical exams, pelvic ultrasounds, and medical history. Research indicates that PMOS occurs at similar rates across racial groups, but Black and Hispanic women are more likely to experience severe metabolic complications and are less likely to be diagnosed early. The exact cause of PMOS remains unknown, though it is associated with higher levels of androgens and insulin.
The global implementation strategy for the name change includes education and alignment with health systems to ensure widespread adoption and understanding of the new terminology.