What to know
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is being renamed PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) to reflect the condition more accurately.
- Experts claim the previous name was misleading since PCOS doesn’t always involve ovarian cysts, with the new name highlighting hormonal and metabolic aspects of the condition.
- Experts say the new term will improve diagnosis, raise awareness, and help with long-term health management for those affected.
The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is being renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect the condition.
The name change was first seen in Europe, as experts claim the previous term didn’t accurately describe the condition.
Dr. Sony Sierra, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at TRIO Fertility explained that to be diagnosed with PCOS, patients need to meet two out the following criteria:
- Enlarged ovaries with multiple follicles.
- Irregular cycles, a history of missing cycles, or periods of dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
- Lab results-driven evidence of androgens or symptoms of high androgens, such as extra hair on the face or body, hair thinning, acne, or issues with weight gain or loss.
World Health Organization (WHO) statistics reveal that PCOS affects 10 to 13 per cent of reproductive-aged women, and up to 70 per cent are unaware they are living with the condition.
Women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, weight gain, hypertension, and sleep apnea, among others.
Why the name change?
According to Sierra, the previous name did not accurately describe the experience of everyone with PCOS.
“When you say polycystic ovary syndrome, you’re right away putting the term cyst into play, and it’s completely inaccurate,” she told Now Toronto.
Contrary to what the name might suggest, the doctor says people who have polycystic ovaries don’t usually deal with multiple or painful ovarian cysts. Instead, their ovaries are often enlarged by a heightened presence of follicles.
As explained by her, the name could confuse patients, who would often believe their pain was caused by PCOS, when in fact they might be facing different conditions, such as endometriosis.
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“There was a general knowledge within the gynecologic community that [PCOS was] not the right term, and that’s why this came into play,” she clarified.
Meanwhile, the term Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is designed to avoid confusion and truly reflect the condition.
“It’s moving away from the structural characterization of the ovaries to encompassing more that hormonal and metabolic impact of the syndrome, which is the thing that has more morbidity with respect to fertility and ongoing health,” Sierra explained.
What does this mean for feminine healthcare?
Sierra believes the name change is a good step toward accurately identifying the condition, as it enlarges the understanding of the issue.
“I think we’re moving towards being more accurate and more inclusive,” Sierra said.
The new name calls attention to the hormone and metabolic changes, — which are treatable — with early intervention often leading to positive health impacts down the line when it comes to fertility, diabetes, or heart disease.
In contrast, the previous name focused on the structural changes in the ovary, without considering the long-term impact.
“[The new name] will have younger people thinking about long-term consequences… not just focusing on the cyst,” Sierra said.
Similarly, Dr. Michal Sheinis, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, agrees that the name change could bring positive consequences.
According to her, the new term better reflects the criteria used to diagnose PMOS.
“It just highlights the fact that there are multiple criteria. Polycystic ovaries are only one of them,” she said.
The new name also highlights other endocrine dysfunctions that people can experience when diagnosed with PMOS, including insulin resistance and high cholesterol.
“I think it’s helpful to have a name that includes all of that because that’s kind of the pathophysiological mechanism of the condition, and it’s important that that be part of the treatment as well, and the screening related to it,” Sheinis said.
How are people online reacting?
Many people online have been sharing their takes on the new name, including an appreciation for its accuracy, while others say experts should focus on finding new treatments for the condition.
“I have irregular periods and facial hair, yet no cysts are present on or around my ovaries, so I like the accuracy of the new name,” one Instagram user wrote.
“I appreciate the accuracy of the new name. I always felt like PCOS did not give the full picture,” another added.
“A new name hopefully means increased understanding and more research, which leads to a cure or treatment. They can’t magically do that. The old name led to misdiagnoses and misconceptions, which stunted research, which this new name tackles,” another commented.
“So did they find a cure for it? Because we don’t give a damn about its name as much as we care about a solution that cures it,” another wrote.
