PCOS has become PMOS, shifting the focus away from ovarian cysts and towards a multifaceted endocrine and metabolic condition.
For many patients, the name ‘Polycystic Ovary Syndrome’ never accurately described the condition.
According to Monash University researchers, it has led to misconceptions that the complex long-term condition is primarily about ovarian cysts, contributing to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
They’ve now successfully pushed for a rebranding to PMOS – Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome – to better reflect its broad hormonal, metabolic and reproductive impacts on the more than 170 million women across the globe who suffer from the condition.
“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,” Professor Helena Teede, Director of the Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation and an endocrinologist at Monash Health, told media.
“It was heart breaking to see the delayed diagnosis, limited awareness and inadequate care afforded those affected by this neglected condition.
“While Monash-led international guidelines have advanced awareness and care, a name change was the next critical step towards recognition and improvement in the long-term impacts of this condition.”
Renaming the syndrome has been in the works for 14 years, spearheaded by Monash University with global collaboration with members of the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (AE-PCOS) Society, Oulu University and Oulu University Hospital in Finland, and Verity (PCOS UK).
“The agreed principles of the new name included patient benefit, scientific accuracy, ease of communication, avoidance of stigma, cultural appropriateness and accompanying implementation,” said Professor Teede.
“This change was driven with and for those affected by the condition and we are proud to have arrived at a new name that finally accurately reflects the complexity of the condition.
“Make no mistake, this is a landmark moment that will lead to desperately-needed worldwide advancements in clinical practice and research.”
Related
Along with the new name, published yesterday in The Lancet, was the announcement of international education and awareness campaigns, with the aim to fully implement PMOS in time for the 2028 International Guideline update.
Coordinated implementation is currently underway across health systems, research institutions, funding bodies, education providers, clinical guidelines and disease classification systems such as ICD coding.
