A condition affecting millions of women worldwide has a new name, and the shift could meaningfully improve how it is understood, diagnosed and treated.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, long known as PCOS, is now being referred to as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS.
The change follows more than a decade of global research and collaboration and reflects a growing recognition that the condition is far more complex than its original name suggested.
“This new, more accurate name helps better reflect what the condition truly is,” said Dr. Sarah Truong, obstetrician and gynecologist at Aspirus Health. “PMOS affects the whole body, not just the ovaries.”
PMOS affects about one in eight women worldwide, or roughly 170 million people, making it one of the most common conditions impacting women’s health. Despite how widespread it is, it often goes unrecognized. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 70% of women with the condition remain undiagnosed.
Truong said the new name can help patients better understand what’s really happening in their bodies.
“Before, there was quite a misunderstanding and focus on ovarian cysts, but PMOS is a whole-body disease that has to do with imbalances in the hormones in your body and also metabolic changes,” she said.
Symptoms can vary significantly from patient to patient, which has historically made diagnosis more challenging. Common symptoms include irregular periods, acne, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, excess hair growth and fatigue.
PMOS is not just a reproductive condition. It is linked to serious long-term health risks. Research shows 50-70% of women with the condition have insulin resistance, increasing their chances of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic complications. Women with PMOS also face higher risks of cardiovascular disease and obesity, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
PMOS is also one of the leading causes of infertility, largely because it can interfere with regular ovulation. However, a diagnosis does not mean pregnancy is out of reach.
“We do have medications and ways to help,” Truong said.
If you have questions about PMOS, start by talking with a primary care provider or OB-GYN.
