Essential page · updated 16 May 2026

PCOS renamed PMOS: what the new name really changes

PCOS is now internationally renamed PMOS — Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. Here is why, what actually changes, and what it means for you.

Information, not a diagnosis. This page provides general guidance. It does not constitute a diagnosis and does not replace a personalised medical consultation.

The summary in 5 points

New international name since 12 May 2026: PMOS — Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.
The syndrome itself does not change — only the name. Diagnosis and management remain identical during the planned 3-year transition.
1 in 8 women affected worldwide — over 170 million people (Endocrine Society, 2026).
Why the change: to move away from a name centred on “cysts” that are not true cysts, and to put the hormonal, metabolic, and systemic dimensions at the centre.
Your PCOS diagnosis is still valid. No action required on your part.

Where does this name change come from?

On 12 May 2026, a landmark publication in The Lancet, accompanied by an announcement at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague, officially introduced the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome. This decision is the result of an 11-year international consensus process, led by the team at Monash University (Australia) under Professor Helena Teede, in partnership with the Endocrine Society, ESHRE, ASRM, and over 50 patient and professional organisations. In total, more than 22,000 responses to the international survey were analysed.

The chosen name is PMOS — Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.

What do “Polyendocrine”, “Metabolic”, “Ovarian” mean?

The new name describes the syndrome as researchers understand it today:

Polyendocrine — multiple hormonal disruptions interact: insulin, androgens (testosterone, DHEAS), neuroendocrine hormones (LH, FSH, AMH). It is not a single-hormone disorder.
Metabolic — insulin resistance is a central mechanism, present in 35 to 80% of affected women depending on the study. It raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Ovarian — ovarian dysfunction (irregular cycles, anovulation) remains a defining feature. But it is no longer the only one.

Why “polycystic” was misleading

The “cysts” of PCOS are not true cysts. They are small follicles awaiting maturation, visible on pelvic ultrasound. Many affected women do not have them at all. The term “polycystic” maintained three key confusions:

it wrongly implied a purely gynaecological condition;
it suggested you needed to “have cysts” to be affected — delaying many diagnoses;
it obscured the metabolic, endocrine, skin-related (acne, hirsutism, hair loss), and mental health dimensions of the syndrome.

What the new name does not change

Your diagnosis remains valid. If you were diagnosed with PCOS, you now have PMOS. No action is needed on your part.
The diagnostic criteria remain the Rotterdam criteria (2003), updated by the 2023 international guideline (Monash, NHMRC): 2 out of 3 criteria among oligo/anovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound or elevated AMH — after exclusion of other causes (thyroid, hyperprolactinaemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's).
Your current management remains relevant. The 2023 international recommendations (lifestyle, symptomatic treatment, fertility) are not affected by the name change.

What the new name does change

The medical and social narrative evolves: the syndrome is no longer reduced to ovaries alone.
Attention to metabolic health and mental health is better highlighted. The WHO notes that affected women face a 3–4 times higher risk of anxiety and depression.
Diagnostic delays should decrease: more women without “cysts” but with irregular cycles, persistent acne, excess hair, or chronic fatigue will be taken seriously.
Patient–clinician communication may improve: more precise vocabulary helps people articulate what they experience.

In practice: what to say to your doctor

You can simply mention: “I know that PCOS was internationally renamed PMOS in May 2026. I wanted to discuss my symptoms with you in that context.”

Our non-diagnostic questionnaire can help you organise what you are experiencing before your appointment, and give you a list of questions to ask.

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Frequently asked questions

Is my PCOS diagnosis still valid?

Yes. If you were diagnosed with PCOS, your diagnosis remains fully valid. The renaming PCOS → PMOS does not change the diagnostic criteria or the nature of the syndrome. It is a name update to better reflect the metabolic and endocrine reality of the condition, with a 3-year transition period planned by the Endocrine Society.

What does PMOS stand for exactly?

PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. Polyendocrine refers to the multiple interacting hormonal disruptions (insulin, androgens, neuroendocrine hormones). Metabolic highlights the intrinsic metabolic features (insulin resistance, increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease). Ovarian refers to ovarian dysfunction (ovulation disorders, fertility), which remains a defining feature.

Why was the term "polycystic" misleading?

The word "cysts" wrongly implied the presence of true ovarian cysts. In reality, these are small follicles awaiting maturation, visible on pelvic ultrasound. Many people with PCOS/PMOS do not have them at all. The term also over-focused on a purely gynaecological problem, whereas the syndrome is multi-systemic: hormonal, metabolic, skin-related, fertility-related, and affecting mental health.

Is PMOS a new disease?

No. PMOS refers to exactly the same syndrome as PCOS. Only the name changes, not the condition. The 2023 international recommendations for diagnosis and management remain the reference during the transition.

Will the name be adopted everywhere?

Gradually. Institutions and patient communities will adopt PMOS at their own pace. In the short term, you can continue to say PCOS with your doctor, or mention that "PCOS has been internationally renamed PMOS as of May 2026."

Does this change my management?

Not immediately. The diagnostic criteria (updated Rotterdam criteria, 2023) and management recommendations remain the same. The renaming may eventually strengthen attention to the metabolic and psychological dimensions — already recommended in international guidelines.

Main sources for this page

Page written from official public sources. It does not constitute a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. For any medical decision, consult a healthcare professional.