POLYCYSTIC Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), following a 14-year global effort, led by Monash University, to improve diagnosis and care.
The condition, affecting more than 170 million women worldwide, or more than one in eight, was misunderstood to be “all about ovarian cysts”.
PMOS is characterised by fluctuations in hormones, with impacts on weight, metabolic and mental health, skin, and the reproductive system.
14 Years of Global Research
The name PCOS was found to reduce a complex, long-term hormonal or endocrine disorder to a misunderstanding about ‘cysts’ and an overt focus on ovaries.
This contributed to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.
Professor Helena Teede, Director, Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation and endocrinologist, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia, led the name change process after decades of research into the condition and seeing patient impacts first hand.
She said: “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.
“It was heart breaking to see the delayed diagnosis, limited awareness, and inadequate care afforded those affected by this neglected condition.
“While Monash-led international guidelines have advanced awareness and care, a name change was the next critical step towards recognition and improvement in the long-term impacts of this condition.”
The name change took 14 years of global collaboration between experts and those with lived experience across six continents.
Teede said it was the largest initiative to change the name of a medical condition.
Diverse Needs of Various Cultures
Contributing experts also identified acknowledgement and inclusion of the diverse needs of various cultures as a key part of the renaming process.
Professor Terhi Piltonen, international co-lead, Oulu University, Finland, said: “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.
“This made a culturally and internationally informed consultation critical to getting it right.”
The Transition Period
Transition to the new name will occur over three years, supported by a multi-pronged strategy with a view to greater awareness, enhanced diagnosis, improved care quality and patient satisfaction, and optimised outcomes across the broad features of the condition.
This period will be supported by a major international education and awareness campaign, reaching healthcare professionals, governments, and researchers around the world.
PMOS will be fully implemented in the 2028 International Guideline update.
Professor Teede added: “The agreed principles of the new name included patient benefit, scientific accuracy, ease of communication, avoidance of stigma, cultural appropriateness and accompanying implementation.
“This change was driven with, and for those, affected by the condition and we are proud to have arrived at a new name that finally accurately reflects the complexity of the condition.
“Make no mistake, this is a landmark moment that will lead to desperately needed worldwide advancements in clinical practice and research.”
Reference
Teede HJ et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8.
Featured image: Benjamin Crone on Adobe Stock
