Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting more than 170 million people worldwide, has been officially renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) following a global consensus published today in The Lancet.

This renaming recognizes that the condition is not merely a primary gynecological disorder, but a complex multisystem condition involving endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, dermatological, and psychological health. Moreover, the transition to PMOS will ensure that clinical guidelines, medical education, and international disease classification systems are updated, fostering consistent adoption of the term worldwide.

As a label, “PCOS” had several limitations, including an inaccurate description of the condition; specifically, the condition does not actually involve “cysts” on the ovaries, but rather underdeveloped follicles. According to Rachel Morman, Chair of Trustees at Verity (a UK-based charity and advocacy group), the old name led to patients being underdiagnosed for related issues. This was largely due to clinicians focusing primarily on the “cystic” presentation. Patients were often dismissed if they didn’t show signs of follicles on an ultrasound, even if they were struggling with metabolic and fertility issues linked to the syndrome. The name “PCOS” contributed to many misconceptions in the gynecological world.

So, the next time you hear a friend mention PCOS, remind them: it’s PMOS.

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