Daijiworld Media Network – Melbourne
Melbourne, May 13: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting more than 170 million women worldwide, has officially been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) following a 14-year global initiative led by Australia’s Monash University.
The move is aimed at improving awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition, which experts say has long been misunderstood due to its earlier name focusing narrowly on ovarian cysts.
Researchers explained that the term “PCOS” often created the misconception that the disorder was only related to ovarian cysts, despite the condition involving a wide range of hormonal, metabolic, reproductive, skin, and mental health complications.
PMOS is characterised by hormonal imbalances that can affect weight, metabolism, mental wellbeing, skin health, and reproductive function.
Professor Helena Teede, Director of the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation and endocrinologist at Monash Health in Melbourne, led the global effort to rename 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 Teede said.
She noted that the earlier terminology contributed to delayed diagnosis, poor awareness, and inadequate treatment for millions of women worldwide.
According to experts, the renaming process involved researchers, clinicians, and people living with the condition across six continents, making it one of the largest international efforts undertaken to rename a medical disorder.
Professor Terhi Piltonen of Oulu University in Finland, who co-led the initiative internationally, said the new name was carefully chosen to ensure scientific accuracy while also remaining culturally sensitive across different regions.
“It was essential that the new name avoided terms that could increase stigma or negatively affect women in certain societies,” she said.
The transition from PCOS to PMOS will take place over the next three years and will be accompanied by a major international awareness and education campaign targeting healthcare professionals, governments, researchers, and the public.
The new terminology is expected to be fully adopted in the 2028 International Guideline update.
Experts believe the name change will help improve understanding of the condition, encourage earlier diagnosis, and lead to better long-term treatment and patient care worldwide.