05/19/2026
Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) is now Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
Published this month in The Lancet, a landmark global consensus — involving 56 organizations and over 14,000 patients and health professionals worldwide — has officially renamed this condition affecting 1 in 8 women.
Why the change?
The old name implied ovarian “cysts,” which are actually arrested follicles — not true cysts.
It narrowly framed a multisystem condition as a gynecological problem.
This contributed to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, stigma, and underfunding of research.
What does PMOS capture that PCOS didn’t?
Polyendocrine → Reflects the hormonal complexity (hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and more)
Metabolic → Recognizes the metabolic burden (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk, dyslipidemia)
Ovarian → Acknowledges ovarian dysfunction without implying cysts
The diagnostic criteria remain the same. The name change is about accuracy, not reclassification.
A global implementation strategy — including a transition period, education, and alignment with health systems and disease classification — is finally underway!
