05/14/2026
Following yesterday’s announcement about the transition from Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), I wanted to address one concern that I suspect some women may be quietly wondering about:
“Does removing the word ‘cyst’ from the name mean that ovarian cysts and ovarian pain are no longer considered important?”
Absolutely not.
Removing the word “cyst” from the title of the condition does NOT diminish the very real experiences many women have with polycystic ovaries, ovulatory dysfunction, pelvic discomfort, or painful functional ovarian cysts.
Those experiences are valid. They matter. And they remain an important part of many women’s clinical picture.
The updated terminology does not change the diagnostic criteria for PMOS, nor does it downplay the frustration and pain some women experience related to ovarian cysts and ovulation.
The issue was never that cysts are unimportant. The issue was that the old terminology unintentionally created confusion about what kind of “cysts” were being discussed.
The “polycystic” appearance described in the original condition refers to multiple small arrested follicles around the edge of the o***y. Those are different from classic functional ovarian cysts — the larger fluid-filled cysts that can occur in women both with and without PMOS and can sometimes be quite painful.
Some women with PMOS have polycystic ovaries. Some do not. Some women without PMOS also have polycystic ovaries. And functional ovarian cysts can occur regardless of whether someone has PMOS.
A helpful comparison is hirsutism. Excess facial or body hair has never appeared in the name of the condition, yet it remains a very real and significant symptom for many women with PMOS. The same principle applies here: a symptom does not need to appear in the title of a condition in order to be important, painful, frustrating, or deserving of treatment and support.
The new terminology is intended to better reflect the broader endocrine and metabolic nature of the condition itself — while still fully acknowledging the ovarian symptoms and challenges many women experience.
As always, our goal remains the same: helping women better understand their physiology, reduce symptoms, improve metabolic health, support ovulation, and feel more in control of their health and bodies.
