In a major development in women’s healthcare, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has officially been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) following an international medical consensus led by experts from Monash University.
The decision was taken after a 14-year-long global consultation involving doctors, endocrinologists, researchers, and patient advocacy groups from six continents. The renaming initiative was led by Professor Helena Teede, Director of the Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation and endocrinologist at Monash Health.
According to experts involved in the process, the term “PCOS” no longer accurately represented the condition and often created confusion among both patients and healthcare professionals. Researchers said the name incorrectly suggested that ovarian cysts were the defining feature of the disorder, even though many women diagnosed with PCOS do not actually develop cysts.
Medical experts explained that the condition is far more complex and affects multiple systems in the body, including hormones, metabolism, reproductive health, mental wellbeing, and cardiovascular health. The newly adopted name, PMOS, was chosen to better reflect these broader health impacts.
Under the revised terminology, “Polyendocrine” refers to the involvement of multiple hormone systems, “Metabolic” highlights its strong association with insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes risk, while “Ovarian” continues to acknowledge its effect on ovulation, menstruation, and fertility.
Experts said the earlier name contributed to delayed diagnosis and incomplete treatment because many women believed they could not have the condition unless ovarian cysts appeared in scans. Doctors also noted that patients were often treated only for fertility concerns while other serious long-term risks, including diabetes, anxiety, depression, and heart disease, remained overlooked.
Professor Teede said years of research and patient experiences showed the urgent need for a name that scientifically reflected the true nature of the disorder. International co-lead Professor Terhi Piltonen from University of Oulu added that cultural sensitivity was also considered during the renaming process to ensure the terminology would not increase stigma in different societies.
The condition affects more than 170 million women globally, including millions in India, where cases linked to obesity, hormonal imbalance, infertility, and diabetes have been rising steadily in recent years.
The transition from PCOS to PMOS will take place over the next three years through international awareness campaigns and updated medical guidelines. The new terminology is expected to be fully adopted in the 2028 International Guideline update.
Experts believe the change will improve awareness, help women receive earlier diagnosis, encourage holistic treatment approaches, and strengthen future research on the condition.
