Global experts rename PCOS to PMOS to reflect metabolic impact

Global health experts have renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) ^[1].

This terminology shift is intended to address the systemic nature of the condition. By moving away from a name that focuses primarily on the ovaries, the new designation highlights the hormonal and metabolic disruptions that often accompany the disorder.

Experts said the change is necessary to better reflect the hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive effects of the condition [1, 4]. The previous name, PCOS, focused on the presence of cysts on the ovaries, which may not be present in all patients. The updated name, PMOS, emphasizes the polyendocrine and metabolic aspects, factors that influence how the body processes energy and regulates hormones [1, 2].

The condition affects millions of women worldwide ^[3]. Because the disorder is often misunderstood, the expert panel said the reframing is expected to improve public awareness and lead to more accurate diagnoses [1, 3].

Medical professionals said that a more accurate name will guide clinicians toward a more comprehensive approach to care. This includes focusing on metabolic health and endocrine function rather than solely on reproductive symptoms [4, 5]. The goal is to ensure that the full health impact of the syndrome is recognized during the clinical process ^[6].

By integrating the word "metabolic" into the official name, the medical community aims to reduce the time it takes for patients to receive a correct diagnosis. This shift acknowledges that the condition is not merely a reproductive issue but a complex endocrine disorder that impacts the entire body [1, 4].