PCOS Renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome to Reflect Broader Impact

1-Minute Brief

The new name aims to reduce stigma and improve diagnosis for a condition affecting millions of women globally.

Key Facts

• The condition formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is now called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
• An estimated 170 million women worldwide are affected by this condition.
• Experts say the updated name better reflects the multisystem nature of the disorder.
• The name change was announced in a landmark paper published in The Lancet medical journal.
• The new terminology is intended to address stigma and improve care for patients.

What Happened

Medical experts have renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to more accurately describe the condition’s effects.

Why It Matters

The updated terminology is intended to reduce misconceptions, enhance awareness among healthcare providers, and improve outcomes for those affected by the condition.

What's Next

Healthcare organizations and practitioners are expected to update educational materials and diagnostic guidelines to reflect the new terminology.