PCOS is Now Polycystic Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome

Why this is here: Lorna Berry, an Australian woman living with the condition, contributed to the renaming initiative with a focus on ensuring equitable healthcare for future generations.

Monash University, along with global medical experts and patients, recently renamed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Polycystic Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. The change follows a fourteen-year effort to better represent the condition’s hormonal and metabolic components. Approximately one in eight women—over 170 million people worldwide—experience the syndrome.

The previous name proved misleading because it emphasized ovarian cysts, which are not always present. Advocates and organizations like the Endocrine Society participated in the renaming to reflect the condition’s wider impact on reproductive, hormonal, and metabolic health. These effects can include weight fluctuations, skin issues, and mental health challenges.

A three-year transition period will begin with educational campaigns for healthcare professionals and governments. The updated terminology will be formally included in international guidelines by 2028. Experts hope the new name will encourage more accurate diagnoses and improved care, but acknowledge further research is needed to fully understand PMOS.