PCOS Renamed to PMOS to Better Support Women Worldwide

A reproductive health condition that affects fertility and increases diabetes risk in women, previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is undergoing an official name change. Experts have determined that the original name fails to accurately reflect the disease's true nature and may be contributing to widespread underdiagnosis and improper treatment.

The condition was originally called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), referring to multiple cysts in the ovaries. However, the World Health Organization notes that the disease has broader symptoms and impacts, including irregular periods, infertility, male-pattern hair loss, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. WHO data indicates that 10-13% of women of reproductive age globally are affected by this condition, yet approximately 70% are unaware they have it.

Hellena Teede, an endocrinologist and professor of women's health at Monash University who led the renaming process, states that throughout her 25-year career she has had to correct widespread misconceptions about the disease being limited to "ovarian cysts," when in reality it affects multiple body systems.

Research published in the medical journal The Lancet has officially announced the new name: "Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome" or PMOS, to more accurately reflect the disease's characteristics.

Experts emphasize that the primary goal of the new name is to make society and medical professionals understand that this condition extends beyond ovarian cysts to involve hormonal and metabolic system dysfunction.

Alla Vash-Margita, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive medicine at Yale University, notes that the old name caused misunderstandings, with many people thinking patients had "large cysts" when that is not actually the case.

Andrea Dunaif from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai explains that historically the condition was viewed solely as a reproductive system disorder due to its association with elevated male hormone levels, causing irregular periods and fertility issues.

During the 1980s, researchers discovered the condition also involves insulin resistance, where the body doesn't respond well to insulin, potentially leading to diabetes. Recent research has further linked PMOS to liver disease, heart disease, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, and body image issues.

Experts note that the term "polyendocrine" in the new name reflects that this is an endocrine or hormonal system disorder affecting multiple body parts, not just the ovaries.

The renaming process took 14 years and involved collaboration from over 56 patient and professional organizations worldwide.

Rachel Morman states that this name change will help shift society's perspective and ensure the condition receives serious attention as the complex chronic disease it is.