Medical Group Renames Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome

Endocrinologist Helena Teede announced today at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague that polycystic ovary syndrome will now be called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. The announcement followed 14 years of work by Teede and collaboration with 56 patient and professional organizations. The prior name focused on ovarian features that research has shown to be inaccurate.

Research has established that the dark spots previously described as cysts are immature eggs that did not complete development. The condition involves elevated male sex hormones, insulin resistance, and effects on multiple body systems. Studies indicate that 80 percent of women with the condition conceive without medication or IVF, and they achieve desired family sizes at rates comparable to women without the condition.

The condition occurs in about one in eight women.

Teede stated that the name change is intended to reduce confusion in diagnosis and broaden clinical focus beyond fertility concerns. Implementation details for the new name across medical organizations were not specified in the announcement.