PCOS Has a New Name: It Will Now Be Called “PMOS”

The condition long known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which affects 1 in 8 women worldwide, has officially been renamed. The new name is: PMOS — Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.

Why was the name changed?

According to researchers, the term “polycystic ovary” did not accurately describe the condition because:

• The structures seen in PCOS are not actually pathological ovarian cysts,

• The condition affects not only the ovaries but also:

  • the hormonal system,

  • metabolism,

  • insulin resistance,

  • weight regulation,

  • cardiovascular health,

  • and psychological wellbeing.

Experts state that the previous name:

• delayed diagnosis,

• created confusion among women,

• contributed to stigma,

• and caused the metabolic aspects of the condition to be overlooked.

What does PMOS actually mean?

The new name highlights the three major aspects of the condition:

1. “Polyendocrine”

This refers to the involvement of multiple hormonal systems.

In PMOS:

• androgen hormones,

• the insulin system,

• ovulation hormones,

• and the neuroendocrine system are all affected together.

2. “Metabolic”

This emphasizes the metabolic effects of the condition.

According to the study, PMOS may increase the risk of:

• insulin resistance,

• type 2 diabetes,

• high cholesterol,

• hypertension,

• fatty liver disease,

• and cardiovascular disease.

3. “Ovarian”

This refers to ovarian and ovulatory dysfunction.

Because the condition is associated with:

• irregular periods,

• ovulation problems,

• and infertility.

How was the decision made?

This decision was not made by a small expert panel alone, but through a large global consensus process.

The project included:

• more than 14,000 participants,

• patients,

• endocrinologists,

• gynecologists,

• psychologists,

• and nutrition specialists.

Researchers conducted:

• international surveys,

• global workshops,

• expert voting processes,

• and cultural analyses.

As a result, “PMOS” was selected as the most scientifically accurate and appropriate name.

Why is this important for women?

According to experts, the new name may help:

• improve understanding of the condition,

• identify metabolic risks earlier,

• reduce delays in diagnosis,

• decrease stigma,

• improve research classification,

• and shift treatment beyond focusing only on menstrual irregularities.

In particular, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risks are expected to receive greater attention.

How will the transition happen?

The researchers propose a global transition period of approximately 3 years.

During this process:

• medical guidelines,

• hospital record systems,

• ICD disease codes,

• educational materials,

• and academic publications will be updated.

In Summary

PCOS, once viewed mainly as an “ovarian disorder,” is now recognized as:

• a hormonal,

• metabolic,

• and systemic condition.

For this reason, its new name has been changed to:

PMOS — Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome

Experts believe this change may improve both patient quality of life and the overall medical approach to the condition worldwide.

Teede, Helena J., et al. “Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, the New Name for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Multistep Global Consensus Process.” The Lancet, 12 May 2026, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8.