Polycystic ovarian syndrome renamed
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect its systemic, multi-organ impact. The change aims to improve diagnosis and awareness, as the condition affects 1 in 8 women worldwide.
Why it matters
Updating medical terminology helps reduce diagnostic gaps and highlights that the condition is a multisystem disorder rather than just a reproductive issue.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which also goes by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome and affects 1 in 8 women worldwide, has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to more accurately reflect the systemic, multi-organ impact of this common condition...
Formerly known as PCOS, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome presents variably in different people, although it usually leads to endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian dysfunctions to some extent.
The prevailing view is that PMOS is caused by abnormalities in the levels of several hormones, including oestrogen, progesterone, androgens, and insulin.
Currently, the syndrome is diagnosed by meeting at least two of the following criteria: irregular menstrual cycles, heightened testosterone levels, and polycystic ovaries. PMOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women and also carries a long-term risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
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