PCOS renamed PMOS after 14-year global push to reframe the condition

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is being renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is being renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) in a major move researchers and patient advocates say could transform understanding, diagnosis and care of one of the world’s most common women’s health conditions.

The new name, announced this week in The Lancet and led by an International PCOS Network, reflects growing recognition that the condition extends far beyond the ovaries - affecting hormones, metabolism, mental health, skin and long-term disease risk.

PMOS affects an estimated 1 in 8 women globally and researchers behind the change say the term “polycystic ovary syndrome” has long contributed to confusion and missed diagnoses because many patients do not actually have ovarian cysts - and because the name narrowed perceptions of the condition to fertility and reproductive symptoms.

“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,” said Professor Helena Teede, Director at Monash University, who led the international renaming effort.

“It was heart breaking to see the delayed diagnosis, limited awareness and inadequate care afforded those affected by this neglected condition.

“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.”

A related paper published alongside the name change found there is no increase in abnormal ovarian cysts in the condition, further undermining the scientific accuracy of the existing term.

Instead, PMOS is intended to better reflect the endocrine and metabolic nature of the disorder - including links to insulin resistance, weight changes, cardiovascular risk and mental health impacts alongside reproductive symptoms.

A 14-year global effort

The renaming process took 14 years and involved more than 22,000 survey responses, alongside workshops with patients, clinicians and researchers across multiple countries. More than 56 professional and patient organisations contributed to the process.

Not everyone was supportive of the change. Some campaigners have raised concerns that the new acronym may create confusion and additional rebranding costs for smaller organisations and support groups.

However supporters say that the change was required to be precise with new language for historically minimised or misunderstood female-specific conditions.

“It is fantastic that the new name now leads with hormones and recognises the metabolic dimension of the condition,” said Rachel Morman, who was involved in the process through UK charity Verity (PCOS UK).

“This shift will reframe the conversation and demand that it is taken as seriously as the long-term, complex health condition it is.”

The rollout will happen over a three-year transition period, with the new terminology expected to be fully adopted in the 2028 international guideline update.

Researchers say the process also considered cultural sensitivities around reproductive terminology in different countries, particularly where stigma linked to fertility or reproductive health can create additional barriers to diagnosis and care.

The move comes amid growing scrutiny of how women’s health conditions are named, diagnosed and prioritised globally - and as campaigners push for better recognition of the systemic impacts of conditions traditionally treated as niche or reproductive-only issues.

A landmark moment

Professor Teede said it was the largest initiative to change the name of a medical condition.

“The agreed principles of the new name included patient benefit, scientific accuracy, ease of communication, avoidance of stigma, cultural appropriateness and accompanying implementation,” she said.

“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.”

There will now be a three-year transition period where both names will co-exist together. The new name will be embedded into the 2028 International PMOS Guidelines.

Learn more about PCOS / PMOS: