PCOS Officially Renamed PMOS: Experts Say New Name Better Reflects Multisystem Impact

Global experts have officially renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect its multisystem effects on the body.

This decision follows more than 10 years of global consultation and was announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague. The updated name was published in The Lancet on May 12.

Why the Name Change?

The original name, PCOS, has long been criticized for being misleading and limiting. Experts argue that it inaccurately suggests the condition primarily affects the ovaries and cysts, which is not always the case.

“Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS has long been a confusing and misleading diagnosis for women that has not properly described this underdiagnosed medical condition,” said Sherry Ross, MD, board-certified OB-GYN and Women’s Health Expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. “Using the updated name of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, gives a more accurate and inclusive name to this medical condition, which affects women far beyond the ovaries.”

PMOS Reflects the Full Impact of the Condition

Over the past 14 years, 56 academic, clinical, and patient organizations have campaigned to change the name of PCOS. The goal was to prioritize a new, accurate name that reflects the condition’s multisystem effects.

The preferred terms—ovarian, metabolic, and polyendocrine—were chosen to emphasize its broader impact. This led to the consensus for the new name, PMOS.

“By putting ‘endocrine’ and ‘metabolic’ in the name, PMOS tells clinicians this is a whole-body condition, not just a gynecologic diagnosis,” said Steven Vasilev, MD, gynecologic oncologist specializing in endometriosis and founder of the Lotus Endometriosis Institute in Santa Monica, CA.

Omitting ‘Cysts’ to Reduce Misdiagnosis

The name change also omits “cysts” because not all individuals with PMOS experience ovarian cysts. This helps reduce confusion, as normal ovaries on an ultrasound do not rule out the condition.

“PCOS has long been linked to polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound, which is misleading, since [the] ovaries of affected patients can be completely normal. Having normal ovaries does not mean you do not have PCOS, and here lies the confusion,” Ross explained.

“Renaming PCOS to PMOS creates a better backdrop to really understanding this multisystem endocrine condition. PMOS better identifies the patient experience of those who are suffering from the complex symptoms associated with this condition,” she added.

Addressing Long-Standing Issues with the Old Name

The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” has been criticized for:

• Delaying accurate diagnosis
• Fragmenting care
• Creating stigma
• Missed opportunities for early intervention on metabolic and cardiovascular risks

The new name, PMOS, aims to address these issues by providing a clearer, more comprehensive description of the condition.