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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is being replaced by polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
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Experts say the old name was misleading because the condition is not actually defined by ovarian cysts
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The global effort to change the name involved medical experts, advocacy groups and thousands of patients
FRIDAY, May 15, 2026 (NewsDay News) – A major women’s health condition is getting a new name, and experts say it could change the way millions around the world are diagnosed and treated.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, will now be known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS.
The condition affects more than 170 million women worldwide and is associated with hormone imbalances, weight and metabolism, mental health symptoms, skin changes and fertility problems.
Experts said the old name was misleading because the condition is not actually defined by ovarian cysts.
“What we now know is that there is actually no abnormal growth of cysts in the ovary, and the various features of this condition are often not appreciated,” he said. Helena Tidedirector of the Monash Center for Health Research and Implementation in Australia and an endocrinologist at Monash Health.
Researchers say the lack of understanding has contributed to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate care for many patients.
The attempt to change the name – documented in an article published on May 12 Lancet – It took 14 years. It involved more than 50 health advocacy organizations and patients, along with more than 22,000 survey responses from people with the condition.
Patient advocate Rachel Mormanchairman The trutha patient advocacy group that aims to raise awareness around PMOS says the new name reflects the true complexity of the condition.
“This change will reframe the conversation and demand that it be taken seriously as a long-term and complex health condition,” he said.
The new name will be rolled out globally over the next three years through a major education and awareness campaign.
Experts hope it will lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment and improved long-term care for women around the world.
More information
Verity more about PCOS (now PMOS).
SOURCE: Health Day TVMay 15, 2026
What does this mean for you?
A major health condition affecting more than 170 million women worldwide has been named PMOS in order to improve diagnosis, awareness and long-term care.
