Global Medical Effort Renames PCOS to PMOS After 14,360-Person Consensus

1 articles · Updated · The Week · Jul 22

An international medical initiative has officially renamed polycystic ovary syndrome to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, saying the old term misdescribed the condition and reinforced stigma.
The Lancet Health Policy paper says PMOS affects about 1 in 8 women—more than 170 million globally—yet up to 70% remain undiagnosed partly because “PCOS” overemphasized ovarian cysts, which are not actually increased.
Researchers said the disorder spans endocrine, metabolic and ovarian dysfunction, with risks including infertility, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression.
The new name emerged from one of the largest medical naming exercises, involving 56 organizations and surveys of 14,360 participants, including 10,411 patients and 3,949 health professionals.
A gradual global rollout is under way through guideline, records and coding updates, though the authors said lower participation from low- and middle-income regions may limit how broadly the consensus reflects all settings.