PCOS Got A New Name, One Experts Hope Will Change How Women Receive Care

"The term PCOS is inaccurate, implying pathological ovarian cysts, obscuring diverse endocrine and metabolic features, and contributing to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, and stigma, while curtailing research and policy framing. The condition formerly known as PCOS now has a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome."

"A consortium of 56 academic, clinical, and patient organizations surveyed nearly 15,000 people living with the condition and doctors who treat it about their experiences. Experts and patients alike agreed that the name PCOS was simply not accurate, and that is a massive problem for people trying to get better."

"The new name was chosen because it eliminated the idea that cysts must be present for diagnoses, and because it captured the "endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian dysfunction" that define the syndrome - and often the lives of those living with it."

"When a condition is viewed as affecting a particular organ, all the funding, education, and treatment guidelines focus on that organ. In the case of PCOS, that meant the ovaries. However, PMOS is a disorder of the endocrine system."

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects about 10% to 13% of women of reproductive age, and many cases remain undiagnosed. A consortium surveyed nearly 15,000 people living with the condition and clinicians about experiences and care. The term PCOS was considered inaccurate because it implies pathological ovarian cysts and obscures diverse endocrine and metabolic features. The new name, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, removes the requirement that cysts be present for diagnosis and emphasizes endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian dysfunction. The change aims to address delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, stigma, and limitations in research and policy framing. The condition can include irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, excess hair growth, and acne.

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