PCOS is now PMOS: what the name change means for diagnosis, symptoms and care

Why did PCOS change to PMOS?

The old name, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), placed too much emphasis on the ovaries and on the word “cysts”. This was misleading for many patients, because the so-called cysts seen on ultrasound are usually small follicles containing immature eggs. They are not the same as harmful ovarian cysts.

The updated name, PMOS, recognises that the condition can affect several endocrine, metabolic and reproductive systems. In other words, PMOS is not just an ovarian condition. It can influence insulin resistance, androgen levels, ovulation, menstrual cycles, skin changes and longer-term health risks.

What does PMOS stand for?

PMOS stands for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. Each part of the name is important to consider:

  • Polyendocrine means more than one hormone system may be involved.
  • Metabolic reflects the links with insulin resistance, weight changes, blood sugar, cholesterol and cardiovascular health.
  • Ovarian acknowledges that ovulation, periods and fertility can still be affected.

Is PMOS different from PCOS?

No. PMOS is the new name for the condition previously called PCOS. The symptoms, diagnostic approach and clinical concerns are broadly the same. What has changed is the language used to describe the condition, so that patients and clinicians are less focused on “cysts” and more focused on the whole-body effects of the syndrome.

How is PMOS diagnosed?

PMOS is generally diagnosed when two out of the following three features are present, after other possible causes have been considered and excluded:

  1. Irregular ovulation or menstrual cycles, such as infrequent periods or periods that stop altogether.
  2. Higher androgen levels, shown on blood testing or through symptoms such as excess facial or body hair, acne, oily skin or thinning scalp hair.
  3. Polycystic ovarian appearance on ultrasound or an elevated anti-Müllerian hormone, known as AMH, on blood testing.

Importantly, not everyone with PMOS will have the same symptoms, and not everyone will have “polycystic” ovaries on ultrasound. This is one of the main reasons the name change has occured.

Common symptoms of PMOS

PMOS can look different from person to person. Common symptoms and features may include:

  • Irregular, infrequent or absent periods
  • Difficulty ovulating
  • Trouble conceiving or taking longer to conceive
  • Excess facial or body hair
  • Acne or oily skin
  • Thinning hair on the scalp
  • Weight gain or difficulty managing weight
  • Insulin resistance or changes in blood sugar

PMOS, fertility and ovulation

PMOS may make ovulation less regular, which can make conception more difficult for some women. This does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Many people with PMOS conceive naturally, while others benefit from medical support.

When ovulation is the main issue, effective treatment options are available, including ovulation induction. A doctor, fertility specialist or gynaecologist can advise on the most appropriate approach based on your cycle pattern, blood tests, ultrasound findings and overall health.

Long-term health risks linked with PMOS

The term PMOS also highlights the longer-term metabolic aspects of the condition. Some people with PMOS have an increased risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, excessive weight gain, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and other cardiometabolic concerns.

Because of this, care for PMOS should not only focus on periods or fertility. It should also consider metabolic health, lifestyle support, mental wellbeing, skin symptoms and long-term risk reduction.

When should you see a doctor?

If you are concerned about PMOS, or if you have irregular periods, signs of high androgens, difficulty conceiving, unexplained weight changes or symptoms of insulin resistance, speak with your GP. Your doctor may recommend blood tests, an ultrasound, metabolic screening or referral to a gynaecologist or endocrinologist.

In summary: PCOS and PMOS are the same condition, but the new name is more accurate

The change from PCOS to PMOS is a wording update that assists women and clinicians. It helps shift understanding away from ovarian “cysts” and toward a more accurate view of the condition as a hormonal, metabolic and ovarian syndrome. For patients, this can support earlier recognition, more complete assessment and better long-term care.

You can watch this quick TikTok to understand more about PCOS to PMOS.

@drpeterenglandobgyn

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is now called PMOS, which stands for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. The name change better reflects the health impacts on the woman effected wth the syndrome that go well beyond the reproductive system. Language matters in medicine, and the term polycystic ovaries led to too much focus, particularly in patients’ minds, on the so-called cysts in the ovaries. The cysts seen on ultrasound and described as polycystic are actually small, fluid-filled sacs that contain an immature egg, and they are known as follicles. They are not harmful in themselves. The diagnostic criteria for PMOS still relies on the same items as the aforementioned PCOS. That is, two of the three following things. 1. Menstrual irregularities where periods are infrequent or not occurring at all. 2. Elevated androgens on blood testing or effects of androgenisation, such as excessive body hair, oily skin, or sometimes early thinning of scalp hair. 3. And thirdly, polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound or an increased level of anti-Müllerian hormone or AMH, which is also a blood test. Women with this syndrome may experience more difficulty ovulating and therefore experience some challenges with conception. Fortunately, effective treatment is available in the form of ovulation induction to address this issue. There also remain some longer-term risk factors with this condition related to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, excessive weight gain, high blood pressure, and other effects. If you are concerned about PMOS or identify with the symptoms listed above, see your doctor and consider getting investigate and or referred to a gynaecologist. @St Vincent’s

♬ original sound – Dr Peter England – Melbourne

There are a range of other articles to help you understand how to best manage any signs or symptoms of PCOS/PMOS.

Medications and IUD to treat PCOS
What Is PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCOS and Fertility
The options for Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)