The European Congress of Endocrinology officially renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (SOPK) to syndrome métabolique ovarien polyendocrinien (SMOP) on May 12, 2026 [1].
This change aims to shift the medical focus from the ovaries alone to the broader metabolic and endocrine systems. By redefining the condition, health officials hope to improve diagnostic accuracy and care for millions of women [3].
The decision was announced during the congress in Prague, Czech Republic [4]. Experts, including gynecologist Yveline Ansaldi, said the previous name focused too heavily on the physical appearance of the ovaries—which are not always polycystic—rather than the hormonal imbalances driving the disorder [1, 2].
Medical professionals said the former name contributed to a cycle where patients remained "errant," moving between specialists without a comprehensive understanding of their systemic health [2, 3]. The new designation, SMOP, explicitly incorporates the metabolic and polyendocrinological nature of the syndrome to ensure a more holistic treatment approach [2].
While most sources identify the new acronym as SMOP, some reports have referred to it as SPOM [2]. However, the consensus from the congress emphasizes the metabolic shift in the naming convention to better reflect the systemic impact of the disorder [1, 2].
The update affects millions of patients worldwide [3]. By centering the metabolic aspect, the medical community intends to prioritize the management of insulin resistance and other endocrine disruptions that often accompany the syndrome [2].
“The syndrome des ovaires polykystiques (SOPK) has been renamed syndrome métabolique ovarien polyendocrinien (SMOP).”
The transition from SOPK to SMOP represents a fundamental shift in clinical understanding. By removing the primary focus from the ovaries, the medical community is acknowledging that the disorder is a systemic endocrine failure rather than a localized reproductive issue. This change is likely to lead to more integrated care involving both gynecologists and endocrinologists, potentially reducing the time patients spend seeking an accurate diagnosis.
