For more than 30 years polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS has been used to describe one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age
However many experts have long argued that the name can be misleading In 2023 an international group of doctors researchers and people living with the condition began recommending a new name Reproductive Metabolic Syndrome PMOS
The proposed change is not simply about terminology It reflects a growing understanding that the condition affects much more than the ovaries But does the new name mean a new diagnosis or different treatment The short answer is no at least not yet
According to Dr Carol Coghlan an obstetrician and gynecologist at Almond Blossom Fertility and Health Center in Dubai the proposed change aims to provide a more accurate understanding of the condition and its broader impact on womens health and wellbeing
PCOS The Latest Statistics
Recent data indicate that PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women worldwide with prevalence rates higher than previously estimated and a significant diagnosis gap
Current global estimates indicate that
10 to 13 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide are affected by PCOS
Up to 70 percent of women with PCOS worldwide may remain undiagnosed
Some clinical studies report prevalence rates of up to 15 percent among women of reproductive age
The prevalence may also be higher in some populations because of genetic social and health related factors while socioeconomic conditions can affect access to healthcare
Why Do So Many Women Remain Undiagnosed
Several factors can contribute to delayed diagnosis including
Symptoms that vary significantly from one woman to another
Confusion between PCOS symptoms and other conditions such as thyroid disorders or insulin resistance
Limited awareness among the public and healthcare professionals in some countries
Social stigma surrounding weight gain excess hair growth and infertility which may prevent women from seeking medical care
What Factors Are Linked to PCOS
Several factors are associated with PCOS including obesity and insulin resistance genetic factors and environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet stress and physical inactivity
A family history of PCOS may increase the likelihood of developing the condition
If left unmanaged PCOS can be associated with several health complications including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes high blood pressure cardiovascular disease infertility and psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression
Why Is the Name PCOS Being Changed
One of the main arguments for changing the name is that polycystic ovary syndrome does not fully describe the condition
The term cysts can also create confusion The structures commonly seen on ultrasound are not true cysts but small follicles This misunderstanding may cause unnecessary concern among women who may assume that ovarian cysts requiring surgery are involved
More importantly the name focuses primarily on the ovaries while the condition can also affect metabolic and reproductive health
PCOS is associated with insulin resistance an increased risk of type 2 diabetes cardiovascular disease weight gain and infertility These metabolic concerns can be as significant as reproductive symptoms for many women
The proposed name Reproductive Metabolic Syndrome PMOS is intended to better reflect the two major components of the condition its effects on metabolic health and reproductive health
What Does PMOS Mean
The proposed name emphasizes that the condition is complex and can involve multiple systems in the body rather than being simply an ovarian disorder
The term metabolic highlights the role of insulin resistance blood sugar regulation cholesterol abnormalities and potential long term health risks
The term reproductive reflects the effects on ovulation menstrual cycles fertility and hormone production
The word syndrome recognizes that the condition can present differently from one woman to another
Some women may primarily experience irregular periods and infertility while others may experience excess hair growth acne weight gain or metabolic complications
By broadening the focus beyond the ovaries the proposed terminology may encourage both healthcare professionals and patients to view the condition more comprehensively
Does the Diagnosis Change
For now the answer is no The diagnostic criteria remain the same
Most doctors continue to use the internationally accepted Rotterdam criteria which require at least two of the following three features after other conditions have been ruled out
Irregular or absent ovulation
Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism such as acne excess facial or body hair growth or elevated testosterone levels
Multiple ovarian follicles identified through ultrasound
Changing the name does not change these criteria A woman who previously met the definition of PCOS would also meet the proposed definition under the new terminology
The change therefore concerns terminology rather than the diagnostic process
Does Treatment Change
Again the answer is generally no Treatment continues to be tailored to each womans symptoms goals and stage of life
Lifestyle changes remain an important part of managing the condition particularly for women experiencing insulin resistance or weight gain
A healthy diet regular physical activity adequate sleep and stress management can support metabolic health and reproductive function
Depending on the individual case treatment may include
Combined oral contraceptives to regulate menstrual cycles and manage symptoms associated with androgens
Metformin to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health in some patients
Anti androgen medications when needed to manage excess hair growth
Fertility treatments such as letrozole for women who are trying to conceive
The proposed name does not introduce new medications or replace established evidence based treatments
What Could Change for Women
Although the treatment approach remains similar the proposed terminology could potentially improve healthcare in several ways
A name that more accurately reflects the condition may increase awareness among healthcare professionals that women require monitoring beyond reproductive health including diabetes prevention and cardiovascular health
It may also help patients better understand their condition
Some women have expressed frustration with the term PCOS because it does not explain symptoms such as fatigue weight changes insulin resistance or mood changes
The proposed name could also reduce confusion surrounding the word cysts which has contributed to misconceptions about the condition
More accurate terminology may ultimately support earlier recognition and more comprehensive long term care
PCOS or PMOS What Women Need to Know
The proposed transition from PCOS to Reproductive Metabolic Syndrome PMOS represents a potential shift in how the medical community understands and describes this common condition
Rather than focusing primarily on the ovaries the proposed terminology recognizes the broader metabolic and reproductive effects that can influence womens health throughout their lives
However the proposed name does not currently mean that the condition itself has changed Nor does it change the established principles of diagnosis or treatment
Instead the goal is to improve understanding reduce misconceptions and encourage more comprehensive care centered on the individual woman
Whether the condition is referred to as PCOS or PMOS the central goal remains the same early recognition effective treatment and long term support for womens reproductive and overall health
