PCOS Will Now Be Called PMOS — Here’s What the Change Means for Millions of Women

**Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Renamed: A Significant Shift in Understanding Women’s Health**

In a landmark decision, the medical community has officially changed the name of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). This change, the result of a 14-year global initiative involving over 50 medical and patient organisations, aims to provide a more accurate representation of the complex nature of the condition and its long-term health implications.

According to a recent study published in *The Lancet*, PCOS affects approximately 170 million women worldwide, with many going undiagnosed. Medical professionals have argued that the old name led to misconceptions about the syndrome, primarily equating it with the presence of ovarian cysts. This perception, they contend, has overshadowed the broader array of symptoms and health risks associated with the condition.

Professor Helena Teede, who spearheaded the renaming effort, indicated that the previous terminology reduced a multifaceted endocrine disorder to an inaccurate focus on “cysts” and ovaries. Teede, who is both the Director of Monash University’s Monash Centre for Health Research and an endocrinologist at Monash Health, explained that “Ultimately, what we know now is that there is no increase in abnormal cysts on the ovary, and many features of the condition were often overlooked.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that PCOS affects between 10% to 13% of women of reproductive age globally. Astonishingly, up to 70% of those with the syndrome may be unaware of their condition. Symptoms are not limited to reproductive health; they can include irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excessive hair growth, thinning hair, weight fluctuations, and infertility.

Moreover, the implications of PMOS extend beyond fertility and cosmetic issues. Evidence suggests that the condition is linked with long-term health risks, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and depression. These potential complications can significantly impact women’s overall wellbeing, further underscoring the urgency behind the rebranding initiative.

The launch of the new term aims to highlight the hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive dimensions of the condition, enhancing awareness among healthcare providers and the public. Teede noted the frustration many women endure due to delayed diagnoses, minimal awareness, and subpar healthcare solutions resulting from the previous name.

For Lorna Berry, an Australian advocate involved in the renaming process, this change represents a crucial acknowledgment of the struggles faced by women living with the condition. “This is about accountability and progress. It is about my daughters, their daughters, and the countless women yet to be born. We deserve clarity, understanding, and equitable healthcare from the very beginning,” she stated.

Rachel Morman, chair of Verity (PCOS UK), echoed these sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for the name change. “It is fantastic that the new name now leads with hormones and recognises the metabolic dimension of the condition. This shift will reframe the conversation and insist that it is taken as seriously as the long-term, complex health condition it is,” Morman remarked.

Teede further underscored the significance of this initiative by describing it as “the largest effort to change the name of a medical condition.” The transition to the new terminology is expected to unfold over the next three years, with a complete rollout slated for 2028.

As awareness continues to grow, healthcare professionals hope the updated terminology will foster a better understanding of PMOS, paving the way for improved treatment options and healthcare strategies for women affected by this condition. The decision to rename PCOS is a significant stride towards addressing the complexities of women’s health, reaffirming the need for rigorous attention to this widespread but often misunderstood syndrome.