Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is being renamed in major women’s health shake-up

Millions of women worldwide could soon hear a different name for one of the most common hormonal health conditions affecting women.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, better known as PCOS, is officially being renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) following a major global review involving doctors, researchers and patients.

Experts behind the change say the previous name was medically misleading and may have contributed to years of misunderstanding, delayed diagnosis and inadequate care for many women.

Why is PCOS being renamed?

The condition, which affects around 1 in 8 women globally, has long been associated with ovarian cysts and fertility problems. But researchers say that description does not accurately reflect what many women actually experience.

PMOS is characterised by hormone fluctuations and can affect metabolism, weight, skin, mental health and reproductive health.

Professor Helena Teede, endocrinologist at Monash Health and Director of Monash University’s Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation, led the 14-year international process behind the change.

“What we now know is that there is actually no increase in abnormal cysts on the ovary, and the diverse features of the condition were often unappreciated,” said Professor Teede.

“It was heart-breaking to see the delayed diagnosis, limited awareness and inadequate care afforded those affected by this neglected condition.”

The research and renaming process was published this week in The Lancet and involved more than 50 patient and professional organisations, including UK charity Verity (PCOS UK).

What does PMOS mean?

PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome and the new term is designed to better reflect the full-body impact of the condition.

Doctors say many women with PCOS never actually develop ovarian cysts, and instead symptoms often include:

• Irregular periods
• Weight fluctuations
• Acne and skin changes
• Excess hair growth or hair thinning
• Fatigue
• Anxiety and low mood
• Insulin resistance
• Fertility difficulties

Dr Abhijit Kulkarni, fertility specialist at CREATE Fertility, says the previous name narrowed understanding of the condition.

“One of the biggest problems with the term ‘Polycystic Ovary Syndrome’ is that it places the focus almost entirely on the ovaries, when in reality this is a far more complex hormonal and metabolic condition,” he said.

“The proposed shift towards PMOS reflects growing recognition that the metabolic side of the condition has historically been under-recognised, both medically and socially.”

Why the name matters to women

Experts and campaigners say the terminology has had real-life consequences for women seeking support and treatment.

Dr Kulkarni explained that many patients feel their symptoms have historically been dismissed or minimised.

“When people hear the word ‘cysts,’ there is often an assumption that this is a structural ovarian issue or primarily a fertility problem, when in reality the hormonal and metabolic disruption can affect the entire body and have a significant emotional impact long before someone is trying to conceive,” he says.

The name shapes how seriously the condition is understood medically, socially, and psychologically.

He added that many women spend years struggling with symptoms before receiving answers.

“One of the biggest misconceptions around PCOS is that it only matters when someone wants to get pregnant,” he said.

“In reality, many women spend years struggling with symptoms like irregular cycles, fatigue, weight changes, acne, excessive hair growth, low mood, and reduced libido before receiving proper support or answers.”

When will the name change be implemented?

The transition from PCOS to PMOS will happen gradually over the next three years, with the updated name expected to be fully adopted in international guidelines by 2028.

An international awareness campaign is also being launched to help educate healthcare professionals and patients about the change.

Professor Terhi Piltonen from Oulu University Hospital in Finland and President of the International Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society (AE-PCOS Society) said cultural considerations were an important part of the process.

“It was essential that the new name was scientifically correct but also considered across diverse cultural contexts to avoid certain reproductive terms that could heighten stigma and be harmful for women in some countries,” she said.

For many women living with the condition, campaigners say the change feels overdue.

Rachel Morman, Chair of Verity (PCOS UK), said: “It is fantastic that the new name now leads with hormones and recognises the metabolic dimension of the condition.

“This shift will reframe the conversation and demand that it is taken as seriously as the long-term, complex health condition it is.”

Will treatment for PCOS change?

Experts stress that the name change itself will not alter treatment overnight, but it may encourage a broader approach to care.

Dr Kulkarni said doctors are increasingly looking beyond fertility symptoms alone and considering wider metabolic and hormonal health.

“The core principles of fertility care still focus on improving ovulation, hormone regulation, egg quality, and overall reproductive health, but there is increasing recognition that no two patients experience the condition in the same way,” he said.

Ultimately, the move towards PMOS reflects a broader understanding that this is not simply a reproductive condition, but a multifaceted endocrine and metabolic disorder that deserves more nuanced care, research, and support.

He also noted that online conversations have helped increase awareness among younger women.

“Social media platforms have created much more open conversations around PCOS, with many women sharing experiences that previously felt isolating or dismissed.”