PCOS just got a new name 💜 It’s now being referred to as PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), a name that better reflects what the condition actually is: a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that can have an impact on other parts of the body, not just the ovaries.
Why Has The Name Changed?
An international group of experts and patient advocates, led by researcher Helen Teede at Monash University’s Centre for Research Excellence in PCOS, have worked to change the name to better reflect lived experience, something many patients have been calling for, for years.
Despite the name, many people diagnosed with PCOS don’t have ovarian cysts at all. Researchers and clinicians have argued for years that the current name can be misleading, delay diagnosis, and minimise how complex the condition really is.
The new name aims to better capture the full picture:
Polyendocrine ➡️multiple hormones are involved, not just reproductive hormones
Metabolic ➡️ insulin resistance and metabolic health play a major role
Ovarian ➡️ ovarian function is still part of the condition
Syndrome ➡️ it affects the body in different ways for different people
The recommendation followed a huge global consultation involving more than 22,000 patients and healthcare professionals across 56 organisations worldwide. The goal was to create a name that feels more medically accurate, less stigmatising, and more reflective of patients’ lived experiences.
What Does This New Name Change Mean Going Forward?
Going forward, having a more accurate name will help create clearer understanding around symptoms and diagnosis, making it easier for both patients and healthcare professionals to move forward with confidence. The work to better understand and diagnose PMOS is continuing, with new guidelines in the UK and internationally helping to gradually embed the name into clinical practice.
The previous name ‘PCOS’ will not disappear overnight, as there will be a three-year transition period where both PCOS and PMOS are used alongside one another while research, education, healthcare systems, and public understanding continue to evolve. While meaningful improvements in care and patient experience will take time, this change marks a positive and important step forward.
Information sourced from VerityPMOS Instagram.
Is PMOS and PCOS the same thing?
Yes, the condition itself hasn’t changed. But experts hope the new terminology will improve awareness, earlier diagnosis, research, and more whole-body approaches to treatment and care.
PMOS, also known as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, is a common condition that causes hormonal imbalance and affects how a woman’s ovaries work. It affects 1 in 10 women and around 70% of people with PCOS don’t actually realise that they have it.
What causes PMOS?
PMOS is linked to hormone imbalances, particularly involving insulin levels.
Many women with PMOS are resistant to insulin, meaning their bodies don’t respond to insulin as effectively as they should. To compensate, the body produces extra insulin, which can then trigger higher levels of hormones like testosterone.
What Are The Main Features of PMOS?
Irregular periods – this happens when your ovaries don’t release eggs regularly (ovulation). As a result, your cycle may be unpredictable, very light, or sometimes absent altogether.
Excess androgens – these are higher levels of “male” hormones, like testosterone. They can cause symptoms such as acne, unwanted facial or body hair, or even hair thinning on the scalp.
Polycystic ovaries – this means the ovaries are larger than usual and contain many small fluid-filled sacs (follicles). Despite the name, they aren’t actually cysts, but immature eggs that haven’t developed properly.
What Are The Symptoms Of PMOS?
PMOS is characterised by a combination of symptoms and these are unique to each person including:
Irregular periods or no periods at all – with PMOS, the ovaries don’t always release an egg each month. This can make periods unpredictable, very light, very heavy, or sometimes stop them altogether.
Hair thinning or hair loss – higher levels of certain hormones (androgens) can cause the hair on your head to become thinner, similar to male-pattern hair loss.
Oily skin or acne – hormone imbalances can make the skin produce more oil, which often leads to breakouts, especially on the face, chest, and back.
Excessive hair growth – extra androgens can also cause hair to grow in areas like the face, chest, stomach, or back.
Difficulty getting pregnant – irregular or absent ovulation (when an egg is released) makes it harder to conceive naturally.
Weight gain – many women with PMOS find they put on weight easily or struggle to lose it, often linked to insulin resistance.
What Are The Different Types of PMOS?
Inflammatory PMOS – Linked to low-level inflammation, which can affect hormones, ovulation, and cause symptoms like fatigue, bloating, or skin issues.
Adrenal PMOS – Often triggered by stress, leading to higher “male” hormone levels and symptoms like excess hair, acne, or irregular periods.
Insulin-Resistant PMOS – The most common type, where the body struggles to use insulin properly, increasing androgens and causing weight gain, hair growth, acne, and irregular cycles.
I Think I Might Have PMOS
Navigating PMOS doesn’t have to be difficult so ensuring you get the correct help is super important in understanding PMOS and how to support it.
Consult With a GP
Of course speaking with a doctor about your symptoms and whether or not you might have PMOS is important to find out the steps you need to take to support yourself and whether you have PMOS.
For PMOS, treatment around fertility might involve medications. It’s important to speak with your GP or a specialist. They can guide you through the options that may best suit your symptoms and overall health.
Balanced Diet
Insulin resistance is common in PMOS which means your cells don’t respond well to insulin and therefore your body makes more of it. Extra insulin causes more testosterone, hormone imbalance, irregular periods, inflammation and weight gain.
Managing insulin can help reduce symptoms, regulate your cycle, and improve your overall hormone health.
Useful Links
Verity UK – UK charity that raises awareness around PMOS.
PCOS Awareness Association – Organisation creating worldwide awareness of PMOS helping those get a diagnose, recieve the right information, and support.
