PCOS Officially Renamed PMOS To Better Reflect Complex Hormonal Disorder

After a 14-year global effort led by Australia’s Monash University, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has officially been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better represent the condition’s wide-ranging hormonal, metabolic, reproductive, and mental health impacts.

The condition affects more than 170 million women worldwide, with experts saying the old name created confusion and contributed to delayed diagnosis and inadequate care.

• What happened
  • International researchers and health organisations announced the renaming of PCOS to PMOS.
  • The change followed consultations involving over 22,000 survey responses and 56 medical and patient organisations.
  • The findings and recommendations were published in The Lancet.
• Why it matters
  • Experts said the term “polycystic ovary syndrome” inaccurately suggested the condition was mainly about ovarian cysts.
  • Many patients actually experience broader hormonal, metabolic, skin, fertility, and mental health issues.
• What experts said
  • Researchers noted that many women faced delayed diagnosis due to misunderstanding around the condition.
  • The new name aims to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and promote better long-term healthcare support.
• What changes
  • The transition to the new PMOS terminology will take place gradually over the next three years.
  • The updated terminology is expected to be fully included in the 2028 International Guideline update.
  • Global education and awareness campaigns will accompany the rollout.
• Who is affected
  • Women and adolescents living with PMOS/PCOS
  • Gynecologists, endocrinologists, and healthcare professionals
  • Researchers and public health organisations worldwide

What to watch next:
How quickly global healthcare systems adopt the PMOS terminology and whether the change improves early diagnosis, awareness, and treatment access for affected women.