Renaming PCOS to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)

On 12 May 2026, at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague, the International PCOS Consortium announced that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) will be renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The decision follows 14 years of consultation with 56 medical and patient societies across six continents, shifting focus from ovarian cysts to endocrine and metabolic aspects.

The Guardian

PCOS was first described in 1935 as an ovarian disease. Later studies identified excess androgens and insulin resistance as central, linking the syndrome to diabetes, cardiovascular risk, skin and mental-health problems. Calls for a new name began in 1995, and a 2012 NIH forum formally recommended renaming due to the misleading “polycystic” label.

The Guardian

The drive was led by Prof Helena Teede, director of Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation, Melbourne. Patient advocate Lorna Berry acted as global consumer representative. Monash University’s Centre for Research Excellence in Women’s Health coordinated surveys and workshops with the 56 societies.

The Guardian

PCOS affects about one in eight women, roughly 170 million globally. Approximately 85 % show insulin resistance, and metabolic complications are common. Over 300 Guardian readers shared personal stories, highlighting diagnostic delays and fragmented care.

The Guardian

Prof Teede said the new name “moves away from the incorrect focus on cysts … to recognising a much broader, hormone-driven condition.” She noted that patient voices “enabled us to pursue it” and that PMOS will be embedded in international guidelines due in 2028.

The Guardian

Patients say clinicians historically emphasized fertility, ignored weight-related stigma, and provided limited metabolic testing. One described doctors “prescribing medication without discussing diet or exercise,” while another reported “patchy” NHS care.

The Guardian

Maddy Mavrikis, diagnosed at 15, never had ovarian cysts and was told she would never have children—a claim later disproven. She reports fatigue, disengagement from follow-up, and “the amount of anxiety … has been building since I was 15.” Rosemary, another patient, recalled being told the diagnosis mattered only if she wanted children and that her appearance did not fit the “typical” PCOS profile.

The Guardian

Ultrasound findings differ: some show cyst-like structures, others none, yet both receive the same diagnosis. Metabolic monitoring remains inconsistent, and the effect of the name change on insurance coding and research funding is still unknown.

The Guardian

• “I never had – and still don’t have – cysts on my ovaries, so never really understood why I was diagnosed with ‘polycystic ovaries’.” — Maddy Mavrikis, patient

The Guardian

• “There are no abnormal cysts in PCOS.” — Prof Helena Teede, endocrinologist

The Guardian

• “They wanted it fixed.” — Prof Helena Teede, on patient-driven renaming

The Guardian

• “When I’ve been in the room with these people that are very smart … I’ve felt an equal.” — Lorna Berry, global consumer representative

The Guardian

PMOS will appear in the 2028 international management guidelines, prompting updates to clinical practice and coding worldwide.

The Guardian