For many years, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been recognised as one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Despite its widespread use, the name has long been criticised for failing to reflect the true nature of the condition.
In 2026, following an international consensus involving clinicians, researchers, and patient advocacy groups from around the world, PCOS was officially renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
This change is far more than a simple update in terminology. It reflects decades of research demonstrating that the condition extends well beyond the ovaries. PMOS is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects hormone regulation, ovulation, fertility, metabolism, skin health, psychological well-being, and long-term cardiometabolic health.
Although the name has changed, the way the condition is diagnosed and treated remains largely the same. The new terminology aims to improve understanding, reduce misconceptions and encourage a more comprehensive approach to care.
Why Was PCOS Renamed?
The term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has been recognised as misleading for many years.
Contrary to popular belief, many women diagnosed with PCOS:
- do not have ovarian cysts
- may never develop ovarian cysts
- have symptoms primarily related to hormones and metabolism rather than the ovaries.
Importantly, the “cysts” seen on ultrasound are not true cysts. They are multiple small follicles that have not matured because ovulation has not occurred.
The previous name placed undue emphasis on ovarian appearance while overlooking the hormonal and metabolic abnormalities that are central to the condition.
The new name—Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)—better reflects our current understanding of the disorder and encourages clinicians to consider the whole person rather than focusing solely on reproductive symptoms.
What Does Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome Mean?
Although the name is longer, each component has been chosen carefully.
Polyendocrine
The term polyendocrine reflects the fact that PMOS involves multiple hormone-producing systems throughout the body.
Hormonal disturbances commonly include:
- insulin
- ovarian hormones
- androgens (male-type hormones)
- luteinising hormone (LH)
- follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- ovulatory hormones.
Rather than affecting a single gland, PMOS results from complex interactions between several endocrine pathways.
Metabolic
One of the most important additions to the new name is the recognition of metabolic health.
Many women living with PMOS experience insulin resistance, even when they are not overweight.
Metabolic features may include:
- insulin resistance
- increased risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
- difficulty managing weight
- abnormal cholesterol levels
- fatty liver disease
- increased cardiovascular risk.
Recognising these metabolic changes encourages earlier screening, lifestyle intervention and long-term prevention strategies.
Ovarian Syndrome
The ovaries remain central to the condition because irregular or absent ovulation remains one of the hallmark features.
However, ovarian dysfunction represents only one part of a much broader syndrome involving endocrine, metabolic and reproductive health.
What Causes PMOS?
The exact cause of PMOS remains incompletely understood.
Current evidence suggests that the condition develops through a combination of:
- genetic susceptibility
- hormonal dysregulation
- insulin resistance
- environmental influences
- chronic low-grade inflammation.
These factors interact to disrupt normal ovulation and hormone production.
Importantly, PMOS is not caused by anything a woman has done, and it cannot be prevented entirely.
Common Symptoms of PMOS
Symptoms vary considerably between individuals.
Some women experience only mild menstrual irregularities, while others have significant reproductive, metabolic and psychological symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- irregular or absent periods
- difficulty conceiving
- acne
- excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- scalp hair thinning
- weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- fatigue
- insulin resistance
- darkened skin folds (acanthosis nigricans)
- mood changes
- anxiety and depression.
Not every woman experiences all of these symptoms, and symptom severity does not always correlate with ultrasound findings.
How Is PMOS Diagnosed?
Although the name has changed, the diagnostic approach remains the same.
After excluding other conditions that may mimic PMOS, diagnosis is generally based on internationally accepted criteria requiring two of the following three features:
- irregular or absent ovulation
- clinical or biochemical evidence of androgen excess
- polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound (or elevated anti-Müllerian hormone in selected clinical settings where appropriate).
Your doctor may also recommend blood tests to assess glucose metabolism, cholesterol levels and other hormonal conditions that may present similarly.
PMOS Is More Than a Fertility Condition
Many women first learn about PMOS while trying to conceive.
However, the condition affects health throughout life—not only during the reproductive years.
Women living with PMOS have an increased risk of:
- infertility related to ovulatory dysfunction
- gestational diabetes
- hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
- miscarriage in some circumstances
- type 2 diabetes
- cardiovascular risk factors
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (formerly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
- endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in women with prolonged untreated anovulation.
These risks vary considerably between individuals and can often be reduced through appropriate monitoring and management.
Does Weight Cause PMOS?
No.
While overweight and obesity can worsen symptoms in some women, PMOS affects women of all body sizes.
Lean women may experience significant hormonal abnormalities despite having a normal body mass index.
Weight should therefore never be used alone to diagnose—or exclude—the condition.
How Is PMOS Managed?
There is no single treatment suitable for everyone.
Management is individualised and depends on your symptoms, reproductive goals and overall health.
Treatment may include:
- healthy nutrition and regular physical activity
- weight management where appropriate
- medications to improve insulin sensitivity
- hormonal therapies to regulate menstrual cycles
- treatments for acne or excess hair growth
- ovulation induction for women wishing to conceive
- fertility treatment where indicated
- ongoing metabolic screening and cardiovascular risk assessment.
For many women, management involves a combination of lifestyle measures, medical therapy and regular follow-up.
Why the New Name Matters
Medical terminology influences how patients understand their condition and how healthcare professionals approach treatment.
The previous name often led women to believe that the condition was simply a problem with “ovarian cysts.”
The new name reflects what clinicians have long recognised:
PMOS is a lifelong endocrine-metabolic condition that deserves comprehensive care.
By recognising the metabolic component, clinicians are encouraged to screen earlier for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other long-term health risks, while continuing to support fertility and reproductive wellbeing.
Living Well with PMOS
Although PMOS is a lifelong condition, effective treatment can significantly improve symptoms and reduce long-term health risks.
Regular medical care allows women to:
- improve menstrual regularity
- optimise fertility
- reduce metabolic risk
- support healthy pregnancies
- improve skin symptoms
- protect long-term cardiovascular health
- enhance quality of life.
Early diagnosis and individualised management remain the cornerstone of successful care.
When Should You See a Gynaecologist?
If you experience:
- irregular or absent periods
- difficulty becoming pregnant
- acne or excess hair growth
- unexplained weight changes
- persistent menstrual concerns
it is important to seek medical assessment.
Early diagnosis allows treatment to be tailored to your individual needs and may reduce the risk of future health complications.
Dr Kavita Maravar provides personalised, evidence-based care for women living with PMOS, supporting reproductive health, fertility, hormonal wellbeing and long-term metabolic health through compassionate, individualised management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was PCOS renamed PMOS?
The previous name focused mainly on ovarian appearance, despite the condition affecting multiple hormonal and metabolic systems. The new name more accurately reflects current scientific understanding.
Does the new name change the diagnosis?
No. The diagnostic criteria remain the same. The change is intended to improve understanding rather than alter how the condition is diagnosed.
Does PMOS mean I have ovarian cysts?
No. Many women with PMOS do not have polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. The follicles seen in PMOS are not true ovarian cysts.
Can women with a normal weight develop PMOS?
Yes. PMOS affects women of all body sizes. Although excess weight can worsen symptoms, lean women can also experience significant hormonal and metabolic changes.
Can PMOS affect pregnancy?
Yes. PMOS may increase the risk of infertility, gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. With appropriate preconception counselling and antenatal care, many women with PMOS go on to have healthy pregnancies.
Is there a cure for PMOS?
There is currently no cure. However, symptoms can often be managed very effectively through lifestyle measures, medication and individualised medical care, allowing most women to achieve excellent long-term health outcomes.