GUWAHATI: One of the world’s most common yet often misunderstood women’s health disorders, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), has officially been renamed as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) following a global consensus led by international endocrine and reproductive health experts.
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The updated terminology was published in The Lancet after years of consultations involving clinicians, researchers, and patient advocacy groups across multiple countries.
The condition affects nearly one in eight women globally, accounting for more than 170 million people worldwide.
Experts reportedly said that the earlier term “PCOS” was medically misleading as many women diagnosed with the condition do not actually develop ovarian cysts. Researchers also noted that the old name failed to adequately reflect the disorder’s broader impact on metabolism, hormones, mental health, fertility, and cardiovascular health.
According to reports, the condition is not limited to ovarian health but is a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder that can affect menstrual cycles, fertility, weight, skin health, mood, blood sugar levels, and long-term heart health.
The renaming process reportedly took over 14 years and involved researchers, doctors, and patients from around the world. The consensus was based on more than 14,000 survey responses from patients and healthcare professionals, along with international workshops and inputs from 56 academic, clinical, and patient organisations. Some reports also stated that over 22,000 responses contributed to the broader consultation process.
The consensus to rename the condition was led by several research groups and the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society.
According to reports, researchers said the new terminology is intended to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of the condition, particularly as the earlier focus on ovarian cysts often led to delayed diagnosis and fragmented medical care.
The change is considered especially significant for India, where millions of women are affected by the disorder, which has increasingly been linked to obesity, diabetes, infertility, and mental health concerns. Indian researchers have repeatedly highlighted that the condition remains underdiagnosed and is often incorrectly viewed only as a fertility-related issue rather than a lifelong metabolic disorder.
Under the revised terminology, “Polyendocrine” refers to the condition affecting multiple hormones in the body, while “Metabolic” highlights issues related to insulin resistance, blood sugar, weight, and heart health. “Ovarian” refers to its reproductive and ovulation-related impact, and “Syndrome” indicates a group of symptoms occurring together.
The new name, PMOS, is expected to be introduced gradually across the world over the next three years, with full implementation in international medical guidelines anticipated by 2028.