FRIDAY, May 15, 2026 (NewsDay News) – The condition named polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to reflect its diverse and multisystem characteristics, according to an article published online on May 12. Lancet.
Helena J. Tiede, MBBS, Ph.D., of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues described a rigorous, multi-step global consensus process to change the name of PCOS to PMOS. 56 leading academic, clinical and patient organizations were involved. Global replication surveys, modified Delphi techniques, nominal group technique workshops, and marketing and implementation analyzes were used to identify principles that prioritized scientific validity, clarity, avoidance of stigma, cultural relevance, and feasibility of implementation.
The authors point out that there is an advantage to having a precise new name over keeping the PCOS acronym or generic name. Evolution was prioritized over change in practical approaches. The terms polyendocrine, metabolic, and ovarian were preferred, reflecting a multisystem pathophysiology. Cysts were omitted to improve accuracy, and endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian dysfunction were recorded under a new name: polyendocrine metabolic syndrome, or PMOS.
“The principles agreed upon for the new name included patient benefit, scientific accuracy, ease of communication, avoidance of stigma, cultural fit and applicability,” Thiede said in a statement. “This change was made with and for those affected by this situation, and we are proud to have arrived at a new name that finally accurately reflects the complexity of the situation.”
Several authors have disclosed their connections to the pharmaceutical industry.
