PCOS becomes PMOS

The name change follows a 14-year global collaboration between experts and patients with lived experience to establish a more accurate and meaningful name and ultimately improve diagnosis and care.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)/Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a common health condition. People with PCOS/PMOS have higher levels of some hormones, and this often impacts their weight, physical and mental health, skin, and reproductive system.

We welcome the new name because:

• “PMOS” better explains the condition

• “PMOS” reflects how many different systems it affects

• “PCOS” was misleading – people with PCOS/PMOS don’t have a higher rate of abnormal ovarian cysts

We’ll be moving to the new name. We’re in the process of updating the name internally and in our website content, pamphlets, and other places PCOS is mentioned.

• The Lancet announcement on the new name

• RANZCOG welcomes the renaming

• The Guardian explainer on PMOS