PCOS now PMOS: Health condition that affects every eighth woman renamed after 14 years of misunderstanding (original) (raw)

A health condition linked to irregular periods, infertility, weight gain and hormone imbalance now has a new medical name after years of discussion among doctors, researchers and patients worldwide. What many people knew as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, will now be called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, shortened to PMOS. Experts behind the move say the older term confused patients and even doctors because the condition is not mainly about cysts in the ovaries.

The new name was published in The Lancet after 14 years of collaboration involving specialists and patient groups. Medical experts hope the shift will improve diagnosis, treatment and awareness of the condition that affects nearly one in eight women globally.

PMOS: Why experts wanted the name changed

Doctors involved in the move said the term PCOS failed to explain what actually happens inside the body. The older name led many to wrongly believe ovarian cysts were the main feature of the disorder.

“The thought behind that is that one, there’s no cysts in the ovary, so it’s very confusing,” AP quoted Dr. Melanie Cree, one of the authors of the Lancet article and a pediatric endocrinology expert at the University of Colorado Anschutz. “The hope was that with a more comprehensive and accurate name change, that it would start to enable and push better care.”

Researchers said the disorder affects hormones, metabolism, reproductive health, mental health and even the skin. Because symptoms differ widely from person to person, many patients often spend years without a proper diagnosis.

Live Events

What PMOS actually means

Under the new name, doctors want people to understand that the condition is tied to multiple hormone-related systems in the body.

PMOS is linked to hormonal fluctuations that may affect body weight, insulin levels, fertility, menstrual cycles and emotional health. It is also associated with metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Experts still do not know the exact cause. However, research suggests genetics and obesity may contribute to the disorder.

Symptoms can look very different

One reason the condition is often missed is because symptoms are not the same for everyone.

Many patients experience irregular menstrual cycles and high levels of androgens, often called male hormones. This may lead to severe acne, facial or chest hair growth and thinning hair on the scalp. Some patients may also develop follicles on the ovaries, though doctors stress these are not true cysts.

Dr. Cree said teenagers must generally show both irregular periods and signs of elevated androgens before doctors confirm a diagnosis.

A leading cause of infertility

Medical experts say the condition remains one of the most common causes of infertility in women because irregular ovulation can make conception difficult.

At the same time, specialists note that many people with PMOS can still have successful pregnancies. However, the condition may raise the chances of pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes and preterm birth.

Treatment goes beyond medicines

Doctors say treatment depends on each patient’s symptoms and long-term goals.

Lifestyle changes remain the first line of treatment. Experts recommend reducing processed food intake, regular exercise and proper sleep.

“We’re not trying to be judgmental. There is science to back this up,” Cree told AP. “So in PMOS, there is too much of the hormone insulin in many women, and that insulin confuses the ovary to make too much testosterone. And it’s the high testosterone that is causing all the symptoms.”

Doctors may also prescribe insulin-sensitizing medicines such as Metformin, hormonal birth control or medications that block androgens.

Specialists say treatment plans vary widely. Some patients may focus on fertility support while others may seek relief from symptoms such as acne or irregular periods.

What doctors hope happens next

Researchers behind the change say they are now working to spread awareness about the new terminology through medical conferences, societies and healthcare networks.

Many believe the updated name could help patients receive faster diagnoses and more complete treatment by shifting attention away from the misleading focus on ovarian cysts alone.

“I’m very excited about the name change,” Cree said, “as are the majority of my colleagues.”

(Inputs from AP)