--- title: "Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Name Change to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS): What It Means and Why It Matters" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.dramytung.com/blog/pcos-name-change-to-pmos-what-it-means-and-why-it-matters" markdown_url: "https://www.dramytung.com/llms/blog/pcos-name-change-to-pmos-what-it-means-and-why-it-matters" lastmod: "2026-05-31T09:00:00.000Z" --- # Renaming Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is one of the most common hormone conditions affecting women. It has wide reaching consequences that affect every aspect of a woman’s life, including her reproductive, mental, cardiovascular, and metabolic health to name a few. "World-wide incidence of PCOS was estimated to be in the range of 4% to 12%. But the incidence of PCOS has been increasing in the United States and is now predicted to be closer to 18%. (Meier, 2018) However, despite how common PCOS is, the name itself has long caused confusion. Despite the term “polycystic,” not everyone with PCOS has cysts on their ovaries, and the word “syndrome” can feel vague and incomplete. For decades doctors, patients and researchers have asked for a name change that better encompasses this complex metabolic condition. The most recently proposed name Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) encompasses the emphasis on the endocrine and metabolic condition that impacts the whole body not just the reproductive organs. A name change may seem like a small detail, but it could have a big effect on how the condition is understood, diagnosed, and treated. For many people, PCOS is not just a reproductive issue — it is also closely linked with insulin resistance, weight changes, acne, irregular cycles, fertility concerns, and long-term metabolic risk including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. PMOS is a more accurate name that could help more patients feel seen and could encourage a more complete approach to care. # What Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) means The goal of the new name is to better reflect the two major features of the condition: ovarian symptoms and metabolic dysfunction. This matters because many people with PCOS have underlying issues with insulin, blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and hormone signaling. A name like PMOS could help shift the focus from a purely reproductive diagnosis to a whole-body condition. That broader lens may support earlier testing, better patient education, and more individualized treatment plans. It may also reduce the frustration many patients feel when their symptoms are minimized or misunderstood. # Why the Change Matters for Patients For patients, a more accurate name could improve both understanding and care. If the condition is framed as metabolic as well as hormonal, it may be easier to explain why diet, movement, sleep, stress, and insulin support often play a role in treatment. It may also help patients understand that their symptoms are real, common, and not “just in their head.” PMOS may offer language that better reflects the complexity of the condition and validates the experiences of those living with it. # How PCOS Is Diagnosed Today Even with the name change, diagnosis still relies on current medical criteria. PCOS is usually identified through a combination of symptoms, hormone blood testing, menstrual history, and sometimes ultrasound findings. Common features include irregular cycles, signs of higher androgen levels such as acne or excess facial hair, and evidence of ovarian changes. A PMOS diagnosis can still be made without an ultrasound if the first two criteria are present. That matters because many people assume ovarian cysts must be visible on ultrasound, but that is not true. ## Rotterdam criteria - what clinicians used and still reference for PCOS/PMOS for diagnosis The Rotterdam criteria define PCOS when a person has at least two of three features, after other causes are excluded. These three features are: - oligo‑ or anovulation (irregular or absent periods) - clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (for example, hirsutism, acne, or elevated blood androgen levels) - polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound (many small follicles or enlarged ovarian volume). Because only two of three are required, someone can be diagnosed without ultrasound if they have irregular cycles plus hyperandrogenism, or with ultrasound plus one other feature. Sonographic (ultrasound) thresholds have changed over time; older cutoffs used lower follicle counts, but modern practice often uses higher follicle-number thresholds and considers ultrasound findings in context (cycle day, contraceptive use, age) # FAQs about PCOS now PMOS: Q: What are the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS/PMOS? A: Two of three — irregular periods, hyperandrogenism, or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound — after excluding other causes. Q: Do you always need an ultrasound to diagnose PCOS/PMOS? A: No — ultrasound isn’t required if a person has irregular cycles plus clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism. Q: Why change the name to PMOS? A: To highlight metabolic risk (insulin resistance, cardiometabolic health) that the current name doesn’t clearly communicate, and to encourage broader care beyond reproductive issues Because PCOS presents differently from person to person, diagnosis is not always straightforward and unfortunately delayed. Some people may have classic signs, while others have subtler hormone or metabolic changes. This is another reason a broader name like PMOS is appealing and encompasses more women to get better and faster diagnosis and treatment. To your best health, Dr. Amy J. Tung, ND, MSCP Naturopathic Doctor | Menopause Society Certified Practitioner # References : Arghavan Ghafari, Malihe Maftoohi, Mohammadamin Eslami Samarin, Sepideh Barani, Majid Banimohammad, Reza Samie. The last update on polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), diagnosis criteria, and novel treatment. Endocrine and Metabolic Science. Volume 17. 2025, 100228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.endmts.2025.100228. Meier Renate K., Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Nursing Clinics of North America, Volume 53, Issue 3, 2018, Pages 407-420 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2018.04.008. Smet ME, McLennan A. Rotterdam criteria, the end. Australas J Ultrasound Med. 2018 May 17;21(2):59-60. doi: 10.1002/ajum.12096. PMID: 34760503; PMCID: PMC8409808. ## Interested in learning more about working with me? Book a free discovery call virtually (Ontario residents only). Book Now