Experts Propose Renaming Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome

Women's health experts have proposed renaming polycystic ovary syndrome to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome to address inaccuracies in the existing term and improve diagnosis and care. The condition affects one in eight women worldwide, or around 170 million people, and involves hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular periods, higher androgen levels causing excess hair growth or acne, weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risks and mental health impacts.

The current name overemphasizes ovarian cysts, which new research shows are not more common in affected women than in others, contributing to delayed diagnoses, stigma and fragmented treatment focused narrowly on fertility. The consensus statement published in The Lancet on Tuesday proposes the name polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS.

It was developed after 14 years of research, including global surveys with 22,000 responses from patients, academics, clinical groups and patient advocates. Professor Helena Teede, director of the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation and an endocrinologist at Monash Health, led the initiative.

The announcement was made at the 8th European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague. >"What we now know is that there is actually no increase in abnormal cysts on the ovary and the diverse features of the condition were often unappreciated. It was heart-breaking to see the delayed diagnosis, limited awareness and inadequate care afforded those affected by this neglected condition.

” The new term better captures “multi-system pathophysiology” by highlighting endocrine, metabolic and ovarian dysfunction without referencing cysts. Diagnosis criteria will remain unchanged for now, requiring two of three features: irregular periods or absent ovulation, elevated androgen levels with related symptoms, or an ultrasound showing 20 or more antral follicles.

Future guidelines may adjust the role of ultrasound given the cyst findings. NHS England confirmed it will review the recommendations as part of its routine updates to clinical content and ongoing work to improve women’s healthcare, including reducing waiting times and expanding community care options.

Impact of Misconceptions

Women living with the condition described how the name contributed to dismissive care that focused only on fertility or weight, often ignoring metabolic and mental health aspects. Many reported late diagnoses after years of symptoms dismissed by doctors, leading to preventable issues including scars from acne, excess hair growth requiring electrolysis, pre-diabetes and, in one case, stage 4B endometrial cancer diagnosed at age 37.

Patient advocate Lorna Berry received a diagnosis at age 32 after symptoms began in her teens. She said doctors initially advised her to starve herself rather than investigate hormonal causes. ” Rachel Morman, chair of Verity (PCOS UK), welcomed the shift for recognizing the metabolic dimension and demanding the condition be taken as seriously as its long-term complexity requires.

Professor Teede described the condition as lifelong and presenting differently across life stages, from acne in younger women to fertility issues mid-life and metabolic features later. Her team has launched an international awareness campaign, with the new name slated for implementation in the 2028 International Classification of Diseases.

A supporting study published this week found women with the condition showed no higher rate of abnormal ovarian cysts. This finding underpins the decision to drop the “polycystic” reference, which experts said had distorted clinical focus and public understanding for decades.

Patient stories shared with The Guardian, more than 300 in total, repeatedly cited weight stigma, symptom dismissal and loneliness stemming from care that treated the condition as purely gynaecological. NHS officials and international clinical bodies will now assess how to integrate the new name into guidelines, websites and diagnostic pathways.

Advocates say the change, while seemingly small, could reframe conversations with doctors and lead to earlier, more holistic treatment. The proposal has drawn support from patient groups who spent decades advocating for better awareness. They described the risk of change as worth the potential reward of reduced misdiagnosis and improved long-term health management.