Trending Now - Ovarian Syndrome Rebranded to Enhance Diagnosis for Millions
WHO:
Fast Company - Monash University Professor Helena Teede, an Australian clinical researcher and endocrinologist, led the name change process.
Endocrine Society - The initiative involved more than 50 patient and professional organizations, including the Endocrine Society, and 14,000 people with the condition.
Endocrine Society - Professor Terhi Piltonen, President of the International Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society, was an international co-lead in the name change process.
Endocrine Society - Anuja Dokras, Executive Director of the AE-PCOS Society, and Rachel Morman, Chair of Verity (PCOS UK), also played key roles in the initiative.
WHAT:
Fast Company - The new name for PCOS, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), aims to emphasize "endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian dysfunction" rather than focusing on ovarian cysts.
Endocrine Society - The name change process was described as the largest initiative to change the name of a medical condition.
Endocrine Society - The name change journey was published in The Lancet, highlighting the need for a name that reflects the complexity of the condition.
Fast Company - The new name for PCOS, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), aims to more accurately describe the syndrome and make diagnosis easier for people who suffer from it.
Endocrine Society - PMOS is characterized by fluctuations in hormones, impacting weight, metabolic and mental health, skin, and the reproductive system.
Endocrine Society - The name change journey was published in The Lancet, highlighting the need for a name that reflects the complexity of the condition.
Fast Company - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
Endocrine Society - PMOS affects 1 in 8 women, translating to more than 170 million women worldwide.
Fast Company - The new name aims to improve diagnosis and care for those affected by the condition.
Endocrine Society - The name change is set to be officially implemented in a 2028 update to international guidelines for treatment.
WHERE:
Fast Company - The name change was announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology.
Endocrine Society - The initiative involved global collaboration, including input from various countries and cultures.
WHEN:
Endocrine Society - The name change process took 14 years of global collaboration.
Endocrine Society - The new name will be fully implemented in the 2028 International Guideline update.
WHY:
Endocrine Society - The previous name contributed to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment due to misunderstandings about the condition's features.
Fast Company - The previous name was criticized for being inaccurate and contributing to delayed diagnosis and inadequate care.
Endocrine Society - The name change was motivated by the need for scientific accuracy and to avoid stigma associated with the previous name.
HOW:
Endocrine Society - The name change process involved a three-year transition period supported by an international education and awareness campaign reaching health professionals, governments, and researchers worldwide.
Endocrine Society - The name change process involved more than 22,000 survey responses and multiple international workshops with patients and multidisciplinary health professionals.
Endocrine Society - The transition period for the name change is supported by a major international education and awareness campaign reaching health professionals, governments, and researchers worldwide.
Fast Company - The name change was the result of a worldwide effort that included input from over 50 organizations and 14,000 individuals.
Endocrine Society - The process involved more than 22,000 survey responses and multiple international workshops with patients and health professionals.
(UPDATED May 12, 2026 23:20 UTC)
In a significant move, the medical community has officially renamed polycystic ovary syndrome to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, to better reflect the condition's complexities beyond just ovarian cysts. This name change, described as the largest initiative of its kind, was detailed in The Lancet and aims to address past misunderstandings that led to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. Over a three-year transition period, the Endocrine Society has supported an international education and awareness campaign to inform health professionals, governments, and researchers about this important update.
--
(UPDATED May 12, 2026 21:23 UTC)
The condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome will now be referred to as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, in an effort to better reflect its complexities and improve diagnosis for those affected. This name change was informed by over 22,000 survey responses and numerous international workshops involving patients and healthcare professionals, and it has been documented in The Lancet. To support this transition, a global education and awareness campaign is being launched to inform health professionals, governments, and researchers about the new terminology.
--
(UPDATED May 12, 2026 19:31 UTC)
Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, has officially been renamed to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, following a 14-year global collaboration led by Monash University Professor Helena Teede and supported by over 50 organizations and 14,000 individuals. This change, announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology, aims to enhance diagnosis and care for the condition that affects one in eight women worldwide, translating to more than 170 million women. The new name will be fully implemented in the 2028 update to international treatment guidelines, addressing previous criticisms of the old name for its inaccuracy and the stigma it carried.