A widely diagnosed hormonal disorder known for decades as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been officially renamed polycystic metabolic and ovarian syndrome (PMOS), in a major shift announced in The Lancet. The change follows 14 years of collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and patients who argue that the old term was misleading and failed to reflect the full complexity of the condition.
Medical experts say the updated name is intended to improve diagnosis and treatment by moving away from the long-standing misconception that the disorder is defined primarily by ovarian cysts. Instead, PMOS highlights the metabolic and hormonal disruptions at the core of the condition, which affects millions of people worldwide.
PMOS describesa hormonal and metabolic disorderthat affects multiple systems in the body, including reproductive, metabolic, mental health, and skin function. While the condition has been renamed, experts confirm that the clinical diagnosis remains the same and patients previously diagnosed with PCOS are now considered to have PMOS.
The updated terminology reflects a broader understanding of the disorder. Rather than focusing narrowly on ovarian features, PMOS recognises hormone imbalances involving elevated androgens and disrupted insulin regulation as central components. These hormonal changes can affect ovulation, skin health, and metabolic processes.
Specialists involved in the renaming say the term PCOS created confusion for both patients and healthcare providers. Despite its name, not all patients develop ovarian cysts, and the reliance on that label has historically contributed to misunderstanding and, in some cases, delayed diagnosis.
Dr Melanie Cree, a paediatric endocrinology expert at the University of Colorado Anschutz and one of the authors involved in the update, has explained in medical discussions that the earlier name did not accurately describe the condition.
'The hope was that with a more comprehensive and accurate name change, that it would start to enable and push better care,' said Dr Cree.
Researchers also say the goal of PMOS is to better communicate that the disorder involves more than ovarian changes and is strongly linked to metabolic dysfunction.
The exact cause of PMOS remains unknown, but research suggests it develops through a combination of genetic and metabolic factors.Insulin resistance is considered a key driver, as elevated insulin levels may stimulate the ovaries to produce excess testosterone.
Obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing or worsening symptoms, although it is not considered a direct cause. Experts emphasise that PMOS is a complex endocrine condition influenced by multiple biological pathways rather than a single trigger.
Source: International Business Times UK
