Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is being renamed - here's why

Why is PCOS being renamed to PMOS?

The new name reflects the complexity of the condition. Let’s break down what it means:

• Polyendocrine – this means multiple hormonal systems are involved
• Metabolic – this refers to the fact insulin resistance is a key aspect of the condition for many women
• Ovarian – this condition still affects the reproductive system, specifically the ovaries

The decision to change PCOS to PMOS is based on input from researchers, clinicians and patients. There are a few reasons why this name change was considered important, including the following:

1) The name PCOS was not fully accurate

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome suggests the condition is mostly defined by the presence of cysts. But many women with the condition do not have any cysts at all.

And PCOS cysts are actually small follicles, not regular cysts. So, changing the focus of the name away from cysts is more medically accurate.

2) The condition involves the whole body

We now know that PCOS involves more than just the reproductive system. It also involves the metabolic system, and hormones such as insulin.

Insulin is involved in the uptake of excess sugar to the cells for storage. PCOS can also impact your skin, heart health and mental wellbeing – so the new name is more comprehensive.

3) The previous name may have led to misdiagnosis

With cysts being the incorrect focus of PCOS, many women experienced delayed diagnosis, leading to poor care and health outcomes.

Patients who didn’t have cysts may have been dismissed or misdiagnosed, despite other symptoms.

Other consequences of PCOS such as increased risk of type 2 diabetes may also have been downplayed- leading to unnecessary harm.

4) The new name reduces stigma

Unfortunately, gynaecological conditions are often still stigmatised which can make women uncomfortable about speaking out or getting the help they need.

The name change to PMOS helps the condition to be recognised as a lifelong health issue, rather than a fertility problem.

Changing the name of PCOS to PMOS doesn’t reduce the struggles of women with the condition. But, by recognising it as a multisystem disorder instead of a disease of the ovaries, hopefully women will be diagnosed more quickly, and offered better holistic treatment.