PCOS Officially Renamed PMOS Following Landmark International Medical Consensus Decision

A condition affecting more than 170 million women worldwide is getting a new name-and experts say the change could transform how it is understood, diagnosed, and treated.

After a 14-year international effort led by Monash University, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has officially been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). Researchers say the old name failed to capture the true complexity of the disorder and often led to confusion, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate care.

The research was published in The Lancet.

Despite the term “polycystic ovaries,” scientists now emphasize that the condition is not primarily about ovarian cysts. Instead, PMOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder that can affect multiple systems throughout the body, including weight regulation, insulin metabolism, mental health, fertility, skin health, and reproductive function.

The renaming initiative was led by Helena Teede, director of the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation and an endocrinologist at Monash Health. She said decades of clinical experience revealed how the old name minimized the condition and contributed to widespread misunderstanding.

The process involved collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and patients from six continents, making it one of the largest global medical renaming initiatives ever undertaken. Experts also considered cultural sensitivities during the process to avoid terminology that could increase stigma surrounding reproductive health in some countries.

The transition to PMOS will take place over the next three years, supported by a global awareness and education campaign targeting healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. The new terminology is expected to be fully adopted in the 2028 international clinical guidelines.

Researchers hope the name change will improve awareness, reduce stigma, and ultimately lead to earlier diagnosis and better long-term care for millions of women worldwide.

REFERENCE: Teede HJ et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8.