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Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is the new name for the condition which was previously called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

The disorder impacts 170 million women worldwide. There was a need to rename it because the term ‘polycystic ovary syndrome’ narrowed people’s perception of what is a complex, long-term endocrine disorder to a misunderstanding about ‘cysts’ and a focus on ovaries. This contributed to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. 

The new name resulted from the largest global engagement in a name change process, with 22,000 survey responses and multiple workshops including women with lived experience and health professionals, alongside 56 patient organisations and societies across the world, including the Society for Endocrinology.

The name PMOS will raise awareness, and improve diagnosis and care for the one in eight women who are affected globally.

Read the full article in The Lancet and access PMOS resources in multiple languages.