How Renaming PCOS to PMOS Could Improve Care for Millions of Women
The new term reflects the disorder’s hormonal, metabolic and mental health effects, and 14,000 survey participants backed the change.
- On May 12, 2026, an international team including pediatric endocrinologist Melanie Cree from the University of Colorado Anschutz announced in The Lancet that the condition long known as PCOS is now PMOS.
- Doctors renamed the condition because the previous name, PCOS, was imprecise and confusing; a 2015 study found 85% of patients incorrectly believed cysts were the primary feature.
- The condition affects approximately 1 in 8 women globally, amounting to over 170 million people, with over 14,000 participants contributing to the renaming effort and 86% of patients requesting a name change.
- Specialists hope the new name improves care, as studies show more than 45% of those with PMOS have metabolic disease compared to around 25% of those without, often going undiagnosed.
- Over the next three years, the team will work to help patients, health professionals, and governments transition from PCOS to PMOS, with the new name included in the 2028 international guideline update.
22 Articles
22 Articles
InsideNoVA.com
I’m a doctor who helped rename PCOS to PMOS – a 10-year process of listening to 14,000 patients and health professionals speak on how to improve care
Polycystic ovary syndrome is an inaccurate name for a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its new name can help address missed diagnoses and fragmented care.
I’m a doctor who helped rename PCOS to PMOS – a 10-year process of listening to 14,000 patients and health professionals speak on how to improve care
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)
How renaming PCOS to PMOS could improve care for millions
There is a new name and understanding of a health condition affecting many women. Roughly 10% to 13% of women around the world are affected by a hormonal condition formerly known as PCOS. It's now called PMOS, or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. Stephanie Sy reports on how the changes could improve diagnosis and care.
How renaming PCOS to PMOS could improve care for millions of women
There is a new name and understanding of a health condition affecting many women. Roughly 10% to 13% of women around the world are affected by a hormonal condition formerly known as PCOS. It's now called PMOS, or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. Stephanie Sy reports on how the changes could improve diagnosis and care.
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