6th November 2023
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (formally known as PCOS) has been renamed to Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
The Lancet reports that PCOS affects 170 million women during their reproductive years alone, with it affects 1 in 8 women. This condition has an array of symptoms from: irregular periods, excess facial or body hair, severe acne, male-pattern hair thinning, weight gain, hormonal imbalances and fertility challenges. The exact cause is currently unknown, but the NHS reported some research that has shown it often can be run in families, and is closely linked to insulin resistance. Whilst there is also no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be treated through various medications which can treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems.
In the cases where fertility medicines are not effective, the NHS outlines that there is an option for a surgical procedure called a laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). This involves using heat to destroy the tissue in the ovaries, which is producing the androgens, causing the hormonal imbalances.
In May 2026, The Lancet published a detailed health policy about the name change. They reported that, “the term PCOS is inaccurate, implying pathological ovarian cysts… which contributed to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care and stigma”.
They further explain how the “term polycystic ovary implies the presence of pathological ovarian cysts, which are not a feature of the condition. This misnomer contributes to misunderstandings among patients, clinicians, policy makers, and the public”. From this, confusion can arise from the term PCOS, which can delay diagnosis and affect successful communication between the patient and health professionals.
The new name will “support long-term clinical care research, and global adoption, and enable a smooth transition from existing terminology.”
Grace, aged 20, has been diagnosed with PCOS, before it was renamed to PMOS. She described her diagnosis journey as being “fairly easy”, although she did not know she had symptoms of PCOS, until a health professional aligned her symptoms to the condition.
Although after being diagnosed through an ultrasound examination, she asked the health professional whether there is any available medication for her to take to manage her symptoms, and they replied no. “So I walked away with this new condition, like I had the answers for why I had these painful symptoms, but there wasn’t really a solution put in place to help it”.
WHO estimates that up to 70% of cases remain undiagnosed, resulting in millions of women with the condition are not receiving medical treatment. Whilst after the renaming, Grace believes it will support diagnosis in the future, and patients will be streamlined to direct support. “In 5-10 years, a patient can visit the GP, be diagnosed with PMOS, and be advised on direct care and medications to reduce or eliminate symptoms effectively”.
A lot of health advocates are becoming more hopeful with the renaming, and believe it is significant in the field of women’s reproductive help.
If you believe you could have these symptoms, or would like further support, please visit a health professional.
If you would like further information, or want to speak to students who have been diagnosed, or in the process of diagnosis, please contact @uolwomenshealthadvocacy on Instagram.
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