PCOS to PMOS: what the new name means

Introduction

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 8 women, making it one of the most common hormonal conditions. Despite this, many people experience years of symptoms before receiving a diagnosis, leading to frustration, uncertainty and delayed treatment.

Following a 14 year international collaboration between researchers, clinicians, charities and those living with the condition, a major change was announced in May 2026. The name PCOS will be replaced with PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome). This rebrand hopes to improve understanding, reduce stigma and ultimately improve care for those living with the condition.

What is PMOS?

PMOS (previously known as PCOS) is a complex condition that affects multiple systems in the body. It is currently diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria, with at least two of the following three features required:

• Irregular or absent periods

• Excessive androgen levels

• Polycystic ovaries

Despite the name, ‘polycystic ovaries’ does not refer to harmful cysts on the ovaries. Instead, it describes ovaries containing multiple immature fluid-filled sacs called follicles.

Although these diagnostic criteria seem straight-forward, the condition affects far more than just the ovaries. PMOS can impact:

• Weight and metabolism

• Acne

• Body and facial hair

• Blood pressure and heart health

• Sleep

• Mental health

• Hormones

• Fertility

Why has the name been changed?

For many years, the name ‘PCOS’ has been criticised due to its inaccurate and potentially harmful representation of the condition.

One of the biggest criticisms is that the name is misleading. The term ‘polycystic’ suggests ovarian cysts are required for diagnosis. In reality, ultrasounds show follicles, not cysts, and these follicles are not necessary for a PMOS diagnosis. As a result, many cases of PMOS are ruled out if ‘cysts’ or follicles are not found. This can contribute to delayed and missed diagnoses.

The previous name also places a large emphasis on the ovaries, despite PMOS affecting multiple hormone systems throughout the body. Many associated conditions, including insulin resistance, obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular risk and mental health issues, are not reflected in the old name.

Focusing solely on the ovaries can also lead to disjointed care. People with PMOS may require support from other healthcare professionals, such as endocrinologists, dieticians, dermatologists and psychologists. However, the previous name reinforces the misconception that PMOS is purely a gynaecological condition.

The new name, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), recognises that the condition involves multiple hormonal and metabolic pathways. This change will hopefully improve awareness, encourage earlier diagnosis, reduce stigma and promote a more holistic approach to treatment. Many feel this is an important step for women’s health, which has historically been under recognised, under funded and under researched.

Breaking Down the New Name PMOS

P for Polyendocrine

This refers to the condition’s impact on multiple hormone systems across the body, not just the ovaries. Hormones produced in the adrenal glands, brain and pancreas all interact and impact one another. These changes contribute to many of the symptoms associated with PMOS. Including this term in the name reflects the multi-system effects more accurately, highlighting that this is more than just an ovarian condition.

M for Metabolic

Metabolic dysfunction is a key issue for those with PMOS. Many people experience insulin resistance, which can make it harder for the body to control blood sugar levels. This can contribute to weight gain, as well as increase the risk of many conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease in later life. Including ‘metabolic’ in the name recognises these associated risks and encourages healthcare professionals to look beyond reproductive symptoms alone.

O for Ovarian

While the focus has shifted away from the ovaries alone, they remain an important part of the condition. Hormonal changes can interfere with normal egg development and ovulation, leading to irregular periods, fertility issues and the characteristic appearance of multiple immature follicles often seen in those with PMOS. Keeping ‘ovarian’ acknowledges the important role of the ovaries whilst discarding the misleading ‘polycystic’ aspect of the old name.

Does this mean the name PCOS no longer exists?

No - changing the name from PCOS to PMOS will not happen overnight. It will be done in a structured way to allow time to update guidelines, insurance policies, research databases and electronic medical records.

The name change will happen in stages over a 3 year period. During that time, both names will co-exist and likely be used interchangeably. The aim of this is to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth transition for patients, clinicians, researchers and healthcare systems.

Does this change affect diagnosis or treatment?

No. Although the name has changed, the condition itself has not. Its diagnosis, outlined above, will remain the same. Treatment options have also not changed. These include:

• Combined oral contraceptive or hormonal coil (IUD)

• Lifestyle interventions, including exercise and nutritional advice

• Fertility help if required

• Weight management services

• Medications to help with insulin levels, excessive hair growth and other symptoms

Will changing the name be enough?

Major changes are often accompanied by discussion and debate. Women’s health conditions have long been misunderstood and under funded. Between 2009 and 2020, only around 5% of research and development was allocated to women’s health.

Improving outcomes for those with PMOS will likely need far more than just a name change. Meaningful progress depends on better education for healthcare professionals, greater public awareness, increased funding for research and improved access to care. There are understandable reservations about whether changing the name will have a significant impact. However, many believe it represents an important step towards better recognition of the condition that will hopefully pave the way for future improvements.

The take home message

For women across the globe, the change from PCOS to PMOS is more than a new name. It recognises a plethora of dismissed symptoms and represents the systemic impact the condition has. The new terminology aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage more patient-centred care. While the diagnosis and treatments remain unchanged, a better understanding of PMOS may lead to earlier diagnosis, more personalised treatment and better long-term health outcomes.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of PMOS, speak to your GP or healthcare professional.

References:

1) Teede HJ, Bahri Khomami M, Morman R, et al.; Global Name Change Consortium. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026 May 12:S0140-6736(26)00717-8. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8 [internet]. Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00717-8/fulltext (accessed 01/07/2026)

2) NHS. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [Internet. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/ (accessed 30/06/2026)

3) International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. (2023) 2023 update [internet]. Available at: https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/4360095/Updated-PMOS-Guideline-12-June26.pdf (accessed 01/07/2026)

4) McKinsey Health Institute. January 17 2024. Closing the women’s health gap: a $1 trillion opportunity to improve lives and outcomes [internet]. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/closing-the-womens-health-gap-a-1-trillion-dollar-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies (accessed 01/07/2026)

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