A major global health initiative has officially renamed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), in what experts describe as a landmark step toward improving awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care for more than 170 million women worldwide.
The announcement was made in Washington, DC, on May 12, 2026, following more than a decade of international collaboration involving researchers, clinicians, patients, and over 50 professional and patient advocacy organizations, including the Endocrine Society.
The condition, which affects approximately one in eight women globally, has long been misunderstood due to its previous name, which many experts say inaccurately suggested that ovarian cysts were the primary feature of the disorder.
According to researchers, PMOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that affects several systems in the body, including reproductive health, hormones, metabolism, mental health, weight regulation, and skin health.
Leading the renaming effort was Professor Helena Teede, Director of the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation at Monash University, who has spent decades researching 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 explained.
She noted that the old terminology contributed to delayed diagnosis, poor public understanding, stigma, and inadequate treatment for millions of women.
The name change process, detailed in medical journal The Lancet, took 14 years and involved extensive consultation with patients and healthcare professionals worldwide. More than 22,000 people participated in surveys and workshops aimed at identifying a scientifically accurate and culturally appropriate name.
Researchers involved in the initiative also published findings showing there is no actual increase in abnormal ovarian cysts associated with the condition, strengthening the argument for the new terminology.
Professor Terhi Piltonen of Oulu University said the consultation process considered cultural sensitivities across different regions of the world.
“It was essential that the new name was scientifically correct but also considered across diverse cultural contexts to avoid certain reproductive terms that could heighten stigma and be harmful for women in some countries,” she said.
Patient advocates who participated in the process say the change represents more than a new medical label.
“This is about accountability and progress,” said Lorna Berry, an Australian woman living with PMOS who contributed to the consultations. “We deserve clarity, understanding, and equitable healthcare from the very beginning.”
Rachel Morman, Chair of Verity (PCOS UK), said the new name finally recognizes the condition as a serious long-term health disorder rather than simply a reproductive issue.
“It is fantastic that the new name now leads with hormones and recognizes the metabolic dimension of the condition,” she said.
Health experts believe the renaming could significantly improve clinical care, research funding, policy attention, and public understanding of the condition globally.
A three-year international transition period has already begun, supported by awareness campaigns targeting health professionals, researchers, governments, and affected individuals. The new name is expected to be fully adopted in the 2028 International Guideline update.
The Endocrine Society, one of the world’s leading endocrine and hormone research bodies, described the change as an important milestone in women’s health advocacy and evidence-based medicine.
The Society represents more than 18,000 members across 133 countries and focuses on advancing research and treatment related to hormone-related conditions including diabetes, infertility, obesity, and endocrine disorders.
