After 14 years of debates, arguments and consultations amongst leading medical professionals, one of the world’s most common yet misunderstood women’s health disorders has received a historic new name. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) will now be known as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), first published in the leading journal, The Lancet.
What is PCOS, now PMOS?
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a common hormonal disorder in which higher than normal androgen levels lead to irregular menstrual periods, abnormal ovulation, infertility, excess facial or body hair and/or acne in women. PMOS affects an estimated 10–13% of reproductive-aged women. It is estimated that up 70% of women with PCOS worldwide do not know they have this condition. PCOS is the most common cause of anovulation among women globally and a leading cause of infertility.
Symptoms of PMOS
Symptoms of PCOS can differ from person to person, and an individual’s symptoms may change over time. (World Health Organisation)
Possible symptoms include:
· Intermittent, unpredictable or absent periods; or, for some women, heavy or long and/or painful periods
· Difficulty conceiving or infertility
· Excessive hair on the face or body
· Female-pattern baldness or hair thinning
· Acne or oily skin.
Reasons for the Name Change
For too long, the name reduced a complex, long-term hormonal or endocrine disorder to a misunderstanding about ‘cysts’ and a focus on ovaries. This contributed to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.
Professor Helena Teede, Director of Monash University’s Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation and an endocrinologist at Monash Health, led the name change process after spending decades researching the condition and seeing the patient impacts firsthand.
“What we now know is that there is actually no increase in abnormal cysts on the ovary, and the diverse features of the condition were often unappreciated,” said Teede, who is an Endocrine Society member.
What does it mean for India?
India is witnessing a sharp rise in PMOS cases, especially among adolescents and young urban women. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-supported PMOS study, among the largest in the country, highlighted wide regional variation in prevalence and warned of increasing metabolic complications among Indian women.
Doctors believe the new PMOS terminology could help shift attention beyond fertility concerns and encourage earlier screening for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental health complications.
Disclaimer: This article is not a representation of any medical expertise. Readers are advised to refer to certified doctors if facing any issues related to PCOS/PMOS.
