A medical condition formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been officially renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) following a global review involving medical experts and patient advocacy groups.
The condition, which affects around one in eight women worldwide, impacts hormonal balance, metabolism, reproductive health, mental wellbeing, skin health, and weight regulation.
More than 50 patient and professional organisations, including the Endocrine Society, took part in the review process that led to the new terminology.
According to a statement from the Endocrine Society on Tuesday, experts said the previous name had long contributed to misconceptions by focusing on ovarian cysts, despite evidence showing that many patients do not present with abnormal cysts.
The renaming effort was led by endocrinologist Professor Helena Teede of Monash University and Monash Health, who said outdated terminology had contributed to delayed diagnoses, limited awareness, and inadequate care.
“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,” Teede said.
“It was heartbreaking to see delayed diagnosis, limited awareness and inadequate care afforded to those affected by this neglected condition.”
She added that while international guidelines have improved awareness and treatment, a name change was a crucial step toward better recognition and long-term care.
The findings were published in The Lancet after 14 years of international collaboration involving researchers, clinicians, and women living with the condition. The process included more than 22,000 survey responses and global workshops with patients and multidisciplinary experts.
Researchers also published supporting evidence confirming that the condition is not associated with an increase in abnormal ovarian cysts, reinforcing the need for a revised medical definition.
A three-year transition period has been outlined for the adoption of the new name, including an international awareness campaign targeting healthcare professionals, governments, researchers, and patients ahead of full implementation in the 2028 guideline update.
Teede described the change as a landmark moment in women’s health and one of the largest global efforts to rename a medical condition.
“The agreed principles included patient benefit, scientific accuracy, clarity, avoidance of stigma, cultural appropriateness, and effective implementation,” she said.
“This change was driven with and for those affected by the condition, and we are proud to have arrived at a name that accurately reflects its complexity. This is a landmark moment that will drive much-needed improvements in clinical practice and research.”
Professor Terhi Piltonen of the University of Oulu said cultural sensitivity was also a key consideration to avoid terminology that could increase stigma in certain regions.
“It was essential that the new name was scientifically accurate but also culturally appropriate across diverse contexts,” she said.
“It was important to avoid reproductive terminology that could increase stigma or cause harm in some countries.”
Australian patient advocate Lorna Berry, who lives with PMOS and contributed to the renaming process, said the change would be life-changing for future generations.
“This is about accountability and progress — for my daughters, their daughters, and countless women yet to be born,” she said. “We deserve clarity, understanding, and equitable healthcare from the very beginning.”
Rachel Morman, chair of PCOS UK (Verity), said the new name better reflects the hormonal and metabolic nature of the condition.
“It is fantastic that the new name now leads with hormones and recognises the metabolic dimension of the condition,” she said.
“This shift will reframe the conversation and ensure it is taken as seriously as the long-term, complex health condition it is.”
