It's finally official, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome has a new name.
This chronic condition will now be formally referred to as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome or PMOS for short.
The change comes after a groundswell of attention over the last decade, and the growing recognition that the previous naming convention of this condition could be leading to poorer outcomes for those that live with it.
Following years of research and consultation with people who have PMOS, the change was finally announced today at the 8th European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague. It was also published in medical journal The Lancet.
The push to rename PMOS was led by Australian clinical researcher and director of Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation Helena Teede. She worked in close collaboration with people who have the disease and also global experts such as Monash IVF NSW Medical Director Dr Michael Costello. Costello is one of ten experts who served on the international PCOS namechange steering committee.
“The name polycystic ovary syndrome was misleading because it implies that having polycystic ovaries is the cause of the condition,” Dr Costello said.
This new name better reflects the real signs and symptoms of this complex condition, moving away from the notion it is purely a reproductive disorder. The previous name, PCOS did not effectively communicate the multi-system nature of this disorder.
“While it is associated with the condition [ovarian cysts], you can have the condition without having polycystic ovaries," said Dr Costello. “This misunderstanding has contributed to delays in diagnosis because the condition was seen solely as a gynaecological or ovarian disorder, while ignoring the broader health effects, leading to patient dissatisfaction and poorer outcomes.”
Dr Costello had previously taken to TikTok to raise awareness about the coming name change, which was initially slated to be finalised by the end of February 2026. The name change is hoped to improve diagnosis, care and increase funding for research.
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome is the most common hormone-related condition to affect people with female anatomy. It's estimated that 12 per cent of adults with female anatomy have the condition.
There is no singular test that can definitively point to PMOS, instead it is diagnosed by a doctor accurately monitoring for key symptoms. Due to the misunderstanding around PMOS and its signs, it can take up to 12 years to be diagnosed with the condition. The new name hopes to change this pattern, bringing the metabolic symptoms of the condition to the forefront.
While irregular menstrual cycles, reduced ovulation and ovarian cysts can be some of the symptoms, some other signs and associated risks include insulin resistance, diabetes, weight gain, excess hair growth on the face and body, anxiety, depression, hair loss and high cortisol.
More than 4,000 people living with PCOS and 3,500 health professionals across six continents participated in the study and survey that led to the name change. Of these according to Monash, 86 per cent of patients and 76 per cent of health professionals who were surveyed supported polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome as the official new name.
