PCOS is now PMOS -Why the change?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is officially renamed to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). After 14 years of global campaigning effort, the health experts agreed to change as the old name PCOS is misleading and stigmatising.

It is not just the letter C changed to M. The words also changed too.

 Why did the experts change the name?

 PMOS impacts 1 in 8 women which means approximately 170 million women are affected. The old term PCOS was misleading as most of the women do not have any cysts in the ovaries at all. For decades, this condition has been focused on ovaries and the cysts leading to a misunderstanding of this complex endocrine and metabolic disorder. This contributes to missed diagnosis and inadequate treatment.

What the new name means:

 The new name accurately reflects what happens in the body:

• “Polyendocrine”recognizes that multiple hormone systems are involved
• “Metabolic”acknowledges the condition’s significant impact on metabolism, including insulin resistance and increased diabetes and cardiovascular risk
• “Ovarian” retained to acknowledge the effect on ovaries.

What this means for you?

 If you already have a diagnosis, it will be called as PMOS instead of PCOS. You do not need to undergo any new tests. The diagnostic criteria remain the same, but the name shift is designed to encourage doctors to treat the condition better and improve early diagnosis and treatment strategies

If you are not sure, you have this condition or not – Please see this link for PCOS: https://rockinghamwomenshealth.com.au/2025/07/29/understanding-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/

When Should I see the Specialist?

If you think you may have PMOS, or if you have been diagnosed with PCOS and want a thorough review, speak to the GP for referral to us.

Here at Rockingham Women’s Health Centre, we are happy to help you. We will assess you and will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes history and a physical exam. We can walk through treatment options to help resolve the issues and help your mind at ease.

Please contact Rockingham Women’s Health Centre on 0895918943 to book an appointment or www.rockinghamwomenshealth.com.au