After more than a decade of advocacy, the condition formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been officially renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The change, described as the largest global engagement process ever undertaken for a health condition name, aims to better reflect the disorder's wide-ranging metabolic and endocrine effects.
Why the Name Change Matters
The term PCOS was misleading, as the condition does not involve an increase in abnormal ovarian cysts. Instead, it is characterized by disrupted follicle development due to hormonal imbalances. This inaccuracy contributed to widespread misunderstanding, underdiagnosis, and undertreatment. PMOS affects approximately one in eight women worldwide, yet the World Health Organization estimates that 70% of those affected remain undiagnosed.
The new name, published in The Lancet on May 12, highlights the polyendocrine disturbances in insulin, androgens, neuroendocrine and ovarian hormones, and the metabolic consequences. Professor Helena Teede, the endocrinologist who led the international name change team, stated: "PMOS builds on previous knowledge but truly reflects the broader features of this condition."
Reducing Stigma and Improving Care
The name change also aims to reduce stigma associated with weight gain, acne, and excess hair growth, which are common in PMOS. Women with the condition face higher risks of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and metabolic complications such as Type 2 diabetes at a younger age. Robyn Vettese, chair of the PMOS Patient Advisory Council in Alberta and co-author of this article, hopes the new name will ensure patients receive appropriate understanding and long-term support.
How the Change Was Achieved
The transition from PCOS to PMOS involved extensive global engagement. In 2025, a survey found that 85.6% of patients and 76.1% of health professionals supported the change. Over 22,000 health professionals and individuals with PMOS participated in surveys and workshops, with input from 56 leading organizations, including the Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
Future Directions
Dr. Jamie Benham, an endocrinologist and assistant professor at the University of Calgary, is among the 62 Global Name Change Consortium authors. Her priorities include raising awareness about the PMOS change and ensuring research addresses patient needs. A three-year transition period is planned, during which care from endocrinologists, gynecologists, dermatologists, pediatricians, and primary care physicians is expected to expand.
The 2024 McKinsey Health Institute report Closing the Women's Health Gap underscored the need for increased diagnosis and funding for PMOS research in Canada. The name change signifies a commitment to more comprehensive, lifelong care for those affected.
Pauline McDonagh Hull is a PhD candidate at the University of Calgary. Jamie Benham is an endocrinologist and assistant professor at the same institution. Robyn Vettese is a research assistant and community scholar. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
