A landmark name change for a common hormonal disorder has been announced after more than a decade of global collaboration. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects one in eight women worldwide, will now be known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The change, published in the Lancet and unveiled at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague, aims to better reflect the condition's complex nature and reduce the stigma and confusion associated with its previous name.
A New Name for a Complex Condition
The renaming effort was spearheaded by Professor Helena Teede, director of Melbourne's Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation. For years, experts argued that the term 'polycystic' was misleading, as it focused attention solely on the ovaries and contributed to delayed diagnosis and inadequate care. 'The term PCOS didn't capture the multi-system burden that people with this condition have suffered,' Teede explained at the conference. PMOS is intended to highlight the condition's broader impact, which includes metabolic, cardiovascular, and reproductive health issues.
Patient Perspectives Drive Change
The name change was heavily influenced by patient voices. Maddy Mavrikis, a 29-year-old from Sydney, was diagnosed with PCOS at 15 but never had ovarian cysts. 'I never had – and still don't have – cysts on my ovaries, so never really understood why I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries,' she said. Her story mirrors that of many others who found the old name confusing and stigmatising. Lorna Berry, a patient advocate for over 25 years, described the process as 'robust' and 'valuing the patient voice'. The new name, she said, reflects a condition that is 'much broader' than originally thought.
What PMOS Means for Patients
PMOS is caused by an imbalance of hormones, including insulin and androgens (male sex hormones). This imbalance affects multiple body systems, leading to symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth, and insulin resistance. The condition also increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. By removing the focus on 'cysts', the new name aims to improve diagnosis and treatment. 'There are no abnormal cysts in PCOS,' Teede noted, adding that the term 'polycystic' often caused confusion with true ovarian cysts, which can require surgery.
Global Collaboration and Future Implementation
The name change resulted from 14 years of collaboration between 56 medical and patient societies across six continents. Surveys and workshops were conducted to ensure broad support. 'We needed all those groups involved because we want every one of those groups and societies to own it in all world regions,' Teede said. The new name will be fully implemented in the next update to international guidelines for managing the condition, expected in 2028. Until then, a transition period will allow healthcare systems to adapt.
Hope for Better Care
Patients like Mavrikis see the name change as a sign of progress. 'Changing the name, for me, shows that they are starting to pay attention to it,' she said. Many hope that PMOS will lead to more comprehensive care, including lifestyle interventions alongside medication. The renaming also addresses cultural stigmas, as the term 'reproductive' was avoided in some regions due to its association with a woman's societal value. Teede emphasised that the new name 'moves away from the incorrect focus on cysts' and recognises the condition's full scope.
