Global Consensus Renames PCOS to PMOS for 7% to 10% of Reproductive-Age Patients
Updated
Updated · UCLA Health · Jul 14
Global Consensus Renames PCOS to PMOS for 7% to 10% of Reproductive-Age Patients
3 articles · Updated · UCLA Health · Jul 14
Summary
The Lancet-backed consensus renamed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, recasting the condition as a multisystem disorder rather than one centered on ovarian cysts.
Researchers, clinicians and patient advocates said the old name fueled delayed diagnosis, fragmented care and stigma by overstating cysts and understating endocrine and metabolic dysfunction.
PMOS affects at least 7% to 10% of people assigned female at birth of reproductive age and can involve irregular periods, acne, infertility, insulin resistance, obesity and higher risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer.
UCLA Health said the rename will not alter treatment, which already includes diabetes screening, cholesterol and insulin checks, nutrition support, metformin, anti-androgens and, in some cases, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
Doctors say the new name could widen public understanding and research into a condition long viewed too narrowly, especially around its metabolic and familial components.