PCOS Renamed to PMOS to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment for Women
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the U.S., has been officially renamed to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This change, announced by a global panel of experts and patient advocates in the Lancet, aims to better reflect the condition's comprehensive nature as a whole-body endocrine and metabolic disorder. The renaming seeks to address the challenges in diagnosing PCOS, which often takes over two years and multiple healthcare professionals to identify due to its varied symptoms. These symptoms include irregular periods, pelvic pain, excess hair growth, fatigue, and more, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. The new name, PMOS, emphasizes the involvement of multiple systems, including metabolic, reproductive, psychological, and dermatological aspects, and aims to reduce stigma, improve research, and support better policy decisions.