Summary (tl;dr)

Professor Helena Teede has spearheaded a global initiative to rename Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), aiming to improve diagnosis and care for the more than 170 million women worldwide affected by the condition.

Essential Background

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has long been recognized as a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods, elevated testosterone levels, and sometimes polycystic ovaries as seen on ultrasound. However, the name "polycystic ovary syndrome" has been considered inaccurate and misleading for decades, as many affected individuals do not actually have abnormal ovarian cysts. This misnomer has contributed to delayed diagnoses, fragmented care, and a limited understanding of the condition's broader health implications, which extend beyond the reproductive system to include metabolic, endocrine, and mental health issues, as well as increased risks for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The Full Story

Professor Helena Teede, an endocrinologist and Director of Monash University's Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation in Melbourne, Australia, led a comprehensive 14-year global collaboration to rename Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The new name, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), was formally announced today at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague and simultaneously published in the esteemed medical journal, The Lancet. This landmark decision involved input from over 50 patient and professional organizations, alongside thousands of patients and healthcare professionals globally. The change to PMOS is intended to more accurately describe the complex, multi-system nature of the condition, emphasizing its hormonal (polyendocrine) and metabolic features, thereby moving away from the often misunderstood and misleading focus on ovarian cysts.

Why It Matters

The renaming of PCOS to PMOS is a crucial development anticipated to significantly advance awareness, research, and patient outcomes for this widespread condition. The previous name's inaccurate emphasis on "cysts" and ovaries often obscured the full spectrum of the disorder, leading to diagnostic delays, inadequate treatment, and a lack of recognition for its serious long-term health implications. The new terminology, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, is designed to better highlight the condition's multifaceted impact on the endocrine and metabolic systems, as well as mental health, skin, and increased risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This change aims to reduce stigma, improve scientific clarity, and foster more effective communication among patients, medical professionals, and researchers, ultimately paving the way for more comprehensive care and targeted research efforts. The full adoption of PMOS is planned for the 2028 International Guideline update.

Geographic Location

• Prague, Prague Region, Czech Republic (announcement of the new name at the European Congress of Endocrinology)
• Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Professor Helena Teede's leadership of the name change process from Monash University's Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation and Monash Health)
• Oulu, Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland (Professor Terhi Piltonen's role as an international co-lead from Oulu University and Oulu University Hospital)
• Virtual/Online (publication of the new name in The Lancet)