PCOS Rebranded: PMOS Aims for Holistic Hormone and Metabolic Treatment
PCOS gets a new name, PMOS, reflecting its hormonal and metabolic nature.
Top Summary
- What happened: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is now Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
- Why it matters: The new name emphasizes the hormonal and metabolic aspects, not just ovarian cysts, leading to better treatment.
- What changes for people: Expect more metabolic screenings and multidisciplinary approaches, including nutrition therapy.
- Who is affected: Women, especially young women and those struggling with infertility, and doctors treating the condition.
The Shift: From PCOS to PMOS
After decades of being primarily treated as an ovarian condition, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is now being recognized for its broader hormonal and metabolic implications.
A group of endocrinologists led by Professor Helena Teede from Monash University in Australia, published their findings in The Lancet Journal after two years of research, leading to the renaming to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
"PCOS is not always a primary ovarian disease. There is no increase in pathological or abnormal cysts in this condition...What the name PCOS did was it only focused on the ovaries and left out the endocrine system." - Professor Helena Teede
Prevalence and Metabolic Link
A 2024 Chennai-based study in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Forum showed that 21% of school and college girls had PCOS.
Studies indicate that one in five young Indian women are affected, with higher prevalence in urban areas and adolescents (4.17% to 22.5%).
Dr. V Mohan highlights the shift toward viewing diseases metabolically, citing the renaming of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) as an example.
Insulin Resistance and Symptoms
PMOS exhibits insulin resistance in 85% of those with the condition, increasing androgen secretion and disrupting steroidogenesis, according to Dr. Mohan.
This includes conditions like type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, obesity, and MASLD, manifesting as irregular periods and facial hair growth.
Improved Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Priya Selvaraj believes the renaming will help gynaecologists recognize symptoms earlier, particularly those not routinely dealing with infertility or obesity.
Recognizing PMOS as a metabolic condition will encourage better referral channels to endocrinologists and physicians, especially when patients develop hypertension or diabetes.
"Many doctors now manage it with oral contraceptives and advise only diet and exercise...Recognising PMOS as a metabolic condition will encourage doctors to learn more about it and create better referral channels..." - Dr. Priya Selvaraj
The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle
Garima Dev Verman states that the change may encourage metabolic screening and a multidisciplinary approach.
Nutrition therapy will now play a central role in managing insulin and enhancing body composition, rather than just focusing on weight loss.
PMOS is managed with lifestyle changes and hormone therapy. Semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may soon be used to treat PMOS.
What to Watch Next
Trials are beginning in the US to explore the use of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for PMOS treatment. Future research will likely focus on refining nutrition therapy and multidisciplinary approaches for managing the condition holistically.