On 12 May this year, The Lancet officially published a global consensus among healthcare professionals confirming that the condition previously known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) will now be renamed PMOS – Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. This marks a significant milestone, as the decision follows more than a decade of research and consideration involving thousands of patients worldwide. The change in terminology carries important clinical benefits for those living with the condition. Firstly, the new name more accurately reflects the complexity of the disorder. The term “polyendocrine” highlights the fact that the syndrome involves multiple hormonal and endocrine imbalances, while “metabolic” acknowledges the strong association with insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic complications. The inclusion of “ovarian” remains important, as
the condition continues to have a major impact on female fertility and reproductive hormone regulation. Ultimately, the renaming of PCOS to PMOS is expected to improve early diagnosis by shifting the focus away from cysts as the defining feature of the condition. It reinforces that this is not merely a cyst-related or purely gynaecological disorder, but rather a complex endocrine and metabolic disease requiring holistic management. This broader understanding is likely to support more comprehensive patient care, improve clinical outcomes, and reduce much of the stigma historically associated with the condition. In addition, the updated terminology may encourage increased research funding, as mainstream funders are often more inclined to support endocrine and metabolic disorders than conditions viewed solely as gynaecological. It is expected to take approximately three years for the new terminology to be fully adopted across medical literature and clinical practice. During this transition period, the terms PCOS and PMOS will likely be used interchangeably; however, PCOS is now formally recognised as PMOS.
- What prompted the decision to change the terminology from PCOS to PMOS, and what key findings influenced this change?
The change was prompted by more than a decade of global research showing that the condition is not only reproductive in nature but also deeply linked to endocrine and metabolic dysfunction. Findings highlighted that:
Hormonal imbalance affects multiple endocrine systems, not just the ovaries There is a strong and consistent link with insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes Many patients experience widespread metabolic complications beyond reproductive symptoms The term “polycystic” is misleading because ovarian cysts are not always present or central to diagnosis
These insights led to a global consensus (published in The Lancet) to rename PCOS as PMOS to better reflect its full biological complexity.
- How does the new term “Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome” better reflect the complexities of the condition compared to the previous terminology?
The new term provides a more accurate medical description:
Polyendocrine → recognises multiple hormonal systems are affected, not just one Metabolic → highlights insulin resistance, weight regulation issues, and risk of Type 2 diabetes Ovarian → still acknowledges reproductive and fertility-related effects
In contrast, “PCOS” focused narrowly on ovarian cysts, which are not the defining feature for many patients. PMOS therefore reflects a multi-system condition rather than a single-organ disorder.
- In what ways do you believe the renaming will impact the diagnosis and treatment of patients currently living with this condition?
The renaming is expected to improve clinical outcomes by:
Encouraging earlier and more accurate diagnosis (less reliance on ovarian cyst detection alone) Helping healthcare providers assess metabolic and endocrine symptoms more thoroughly Promoting more holistic treatment approaches (e.g., hormonal regulation, insulin management, lifestyle interventions) Reducing misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis Supporting personalised treatment plans that address both reproductive and metabolic health
Overall, patients may receive more comprehensive and preventative care.
- Can you elaborate on how this change might reduce stigma associated with the condition and improve public understanding?
The renaming may reduce stigma in several ways:
Removes the misleading focus on “cysts,” which can oversimplify or sensationalise the condition Frames the condition as a complex medical disorder rather than a narrowly “gynaecological issue”
Increases awareness that it affects multiple body systems, not just fertility Encourages more respectful and informed public discussion Helps patients feel their condition is medically validated and better understood
- What do the anticipated effects of this terminology change on research funding and future studies related to PMOS?
Increasing eligibility for funding from endocrine and metabolic research bodies Attracting broader scientific interest beyond reproductive health specialists Encouraging interdisciplinary studies (endocrinology, metabolism, cardiology, fertility science) Expanding clinical trials focused on insulin resistance and hormonal regulation Improving long-term investment in understanding chronic metabolic impacts
Improved terminology supports better education and reduces misconceptions about lifestyle, fertility, and responsibility.