13/05/2026
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome is the new name for polycystic o***y syndrome
PCOS is now being renamed poly-endocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. What does this mean for you?
Many people have been lobbying for a change in name, as PCOS can be misleading. The cysts in polycystic o***y syndrome refer to the presence of immature follicles, or eggs, in the ovaries due to irregular ovulation. Confusingly, they don’t mean ovarian cysts! Moreover, not everyone with PMOS has these immature follicles. The condition is a syndrome, meaning people will have a selection of symptoms, but not necessarily all. Currently, you may be diagnosed with PMOS if you have at least two of the following:
* Irregular or absence of ovulation (this may be seen through irregular periods)
* Signs of hyperandrogenism (“male” hormones) such as raised testosterone levels, hirsutism, male pattern baldness and acne beyond puberty
* Presence of polycystic ovaries (i.e., those immature follicles) or raised anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.
The new name of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome not only aims to remove confusion around cysts, but also recognises that PMOS is more than just a gynaecological condition. It is intrinsically linked to our endocrine (hormonal) system and metabolism. People with PMOS are more likely to experience insulin resistance and are at increased risk of T2D, cardiovascular disease, raised blood pressure and liver disease. Often, people with PMOS feel that the condition isn’t taken seriously until they are trying to conceive, where it is then treated as a fertility disorder.
Recognising the impact that PMOS has on a wide aspect of health at several life stages, not just fertility, is a huge step forward.
However, this does mean a big shift in terms of updating literature and public awareness of the new name, so be prepared to see both PCOS and PMOS used for a while! What are your thoughts?
