A global initiative is underway to promote awareness of the new name for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), now known as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). This condition impacts over 3.1 million individuals in the UK, affecting weight, metabolic health, mental well-being, hormones, skin, reproductive system, and more.
Why the Name Change?
PCOS is a chronic and complex hormonal or endocrine disorder, but research has revealed that those with the condition do not have an increased number of abnormal ovarian cysts. This means the primary characteristic on which the original name was based is incorrect. Experts have advocated for a name change for over a decade to prevent further misunderstandings and oversimplifications of the disorder. The new name, PMOS, is expected to improve understanding, diagnosis, and care for patients.
Expert Insights
Professor Helena Teede, Director of Monash University's Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation and an endocrinologist at Monash Health, stated: "What we now know is that there is actually no increase in abnormal cysts on the ovary, and the diverse features of the condition were often unappreciated. It was heartbreaking to see the delayed diagnosis, limited awareness, and inadequate care afforded those affected by this neglected condition." She added: "While international guidelines have advanced awareness and care, a name change was the next critical step towards recognition and improvement in the long-term impacts of this condition."
The name change journey, now published in The Lancet, began 14 years ago as a collaboration of global experts and individuals with lived experience of the condition. Professor Teede led the process alongside experts and organisation leads, including Rachel Morman, Chair of the UK PCOS charity Verity.
Transition Period
Over the next three years, health professionals, governments, and researchers will have a transition period to adopt the new name. The PMOS name is expected to be fully implemented in the 2028 International PMOS Guideline update.
Patient and Expert Reactions
Professor Teede noted: "The agreed principles of the new name included patient benefit, scientific accuracy, ease of communication, avoidance of stigma, cultural appropriateness, and accompanying implementation. This change was driven with and for those affected by the condition, and we are proud to have arrived at a new name that finally accurately reflects the complexity of the condition. Make no mistake, this is a landmark moment that will lead to desperately needed worldwide advancements in clinical practice and research."
AE-PCOS Society President, Professor Terhi Piltonen, explained that the new name was carefully chosen to avoid "stigma" in diverse cultural contexts while remaining scientifically correct. Rachel Morman, Chair of Verity (PCOS UK), said: "It is fantastic that the new name now leads with hormones and recognises the metabolic dimension of the condition. This shift will reframe the conversation and demand that it is taken as seriously as the long-term, complex health condition it is. Despite decades of tireless advocacy to improve awareness, we recognised that the risk of change would be worth the reward."
For more information and resources about PMOS, visit the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation website.
