PCOS is now PMOS: Why 70% of women don’t know they have it

 

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which affects more than 170 million women worldwide, is now polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).

But what drove the change?

New data reveals that the term PCOS is misleading, and has even been shown to delay diagnosis and prevent effective medical care.

The updated term, PMOS, more accurately reflects how the condition is a full-body disorder rather than an isolated ovarian issue.

Yet, with up to 70% of women continuing to go undiagnosed, the name change is only the first step. A global coalition of health leaders is now pushing for urgent research, including the evaluation of potential PMOS subtypes over the next three years, Aeroflow Urology reports.

Key Takeaways:

• On May 12, 2026, polycystic ovary syndrome was renamed to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome.
• The change to PMOS drops the misleading focus on ovarian cysts and formally recognizes the condition as a multisystem disorder.
• Experts now warn that the global prevalence of PCOS / PMOS rates among young women and adolescents aged 10-24 is projected to surge nearly 11% by 2036.

What Is PMOS?

PMOS is a common condition that causes hormonal imbalance.

Until recently, it was referred to as a primarily gynecological or reproductive issue centered on irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and fertility.

“For decades, the term ‘polycystic ovarian syndrome’ unintentionally told patients and also clinicians to look primarily at the ovaries,” says Aleece Fosnight, medical advisor for Aeroflow Urology,

However, medical consensus now recognizes PMOS as a complex, multisystem endocrine and metabolic condition, impacting one in eight women.

The disorder is driven largely by insulin resistance.

As a result, it can influence everything from your blood sugar regulation to your daily energy, mood, and long-term heart health — even past your reproductive years.

Symptoms of PMOS

The condition’s impact extends far beyond disjointed menstrual cycles. The most common signs and symptoms of PMOS include:

• Irregular or absent ovulation
• Infrequent or absent periods
• Difficulty becoming pregnant or infertility
• Excessive facial hair or body hair
• Acne on your back, chest, or face
• Thinning hair on your scalp
• Insulin resistance and abnormal glucose regulation
• Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as incontinence

The condition can also be associated with significant mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and a reduced quality of life.

Did You Know?

It’s possible to have PMOS and not have any symptoms.

What Causes PMOS?

Is there a primary cause?

Medical experts say there isn’t.

Though, Fosnight states that research points to a “complex interaction among genetic, neuroendocrine, ovarian, androgen, insulin, and metabolic pathways. These pathways can reinforce one another,” relays Fosnight.

Why Was PCOS Renamed to PMOS?

According to an international expert consensus published in The Lancet in May 2026, the term “PCOS” is now considered a “misnomer,” its previous name deemed “inaccurate and misleading.”

Historically, the term PCOS only reflected one organ, the ovaries, and failed to address the condition’s multisystem endocrine and metabolic features.

“Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome now more accurately reflects what we understand about the condition today,” says Fosnight. “It also removes the misleading implication that some must have an ovarian cyst.”

An Alarming Pattern of Women Going Undiagnosed

The now-retired terminology served to reinforce the misconception that PMOS was merely a reproductive issue, which led to jarring medical consequences.

Fosnight recounts, “Some patients were even told that they were the ones who caused this condition.”

Though, receiving a diagnosis for the condition hasn’t always been easy. The current criteria may involve your doctor ordering a series of tests following a pelvic exam.

There’s still no single blood test or ultrasound to definitively diagnose PMOS, either. This is because diagnosis generally requires you to meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Irregular or absent ovulation
• Clinical or biochemical evidence of androgen excess
• Polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound or elevated antimullerian hormone (AMH)

The Name Change May Help Discover New Treatments

Globally, 170 million women live with PMOS.

Put into perspective, the total number of women affected by the condition worldwide is nearly equal to the entire U.S. female population.

The shift from PCOS to PMOS has been a helpful change in the medical community, Fosnight says. “It was a meaningful and much-needed change, although too early to measure its full impact. Despite its prevalence, it remains significantly underdiagnosed, which is why the name change was incredibly important in recognizing symptoms, validating patient concerns, and diagnosing more individuals.”

What to Do if You Suspect You Have PMOS

Remember that your pain is valid, and that your concerns deserve to be heard by your doctor.

“The fact that we dismiss and gaslight people’s pain is unacceptable,” says Fosnight. “PMOS can co-exist with other conditions that cause pelvic pain, including endometriosis, so receiving one diagnosis should not stop the investigation when symptoms do not fit.”

Despite these efforts, the work is far from over.

So, what does the future look like for PMOS diagnosis?

For Fosnight, the terminology marks a significant change: “Perhaps more exciting is what is happening next. The global implementation plan specifically calls for continued evaluation of emerging evidence, including potential PMOS subtypes, with integration of the new International Guideline planned for 2028.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When did PCOS change to PMOS?

The term PCOS was officially renamed PMOS on May 12, 2026,

Does PMOS have a cure?

No, according to the American Medical Association, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (formerly PCOS) does not have a cure. It is a lifelong health condition that can continue beyond a person’s reproductive years.

How do you treat PMOS?

Treatment for PMOS should be individualized around your symptoms, overall health, reproductive goals, and priorities. The goal of treatment should be better metabolic, reproductive, and overall health, not simply a lower number on the scale.

Is weight loss alone a treatment for PMOS?

No, weight loss alone is not a treatment for PMOS. Treatment should focus on addressing hormonal and metabolic factors, including insulin resistance when present, while supporting cardiovascular health and quality of life.

Are there medications that treat PMOS?

Yes, but medications only manage the symptoms of PMOS rather than cure it. Combined hormonal birth control pills can help with irregular menstrual cycles and reduce androgen-related symptoms like hirsutism. Your doctor may prescribe metformin for PMOS, which targets insulin resistance. Anti-androgens (like spironolactone) can help control excess hair growth.

Can PMOS cause infertility?

Yes, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome is a leading cause of fertility challenges. This is because irregular hormone levels can prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs regularly. However, a diagnosis doesn’t mean that you’re unable to get pregnant.

Is PMOS genetic?

While there is a strong genetic component, PMOS isn’t caused by a single gene. Instead, current evidence supports that multiple genes interact to affect your hormones, metabolism, and reproductive health. Genetics makes up only part of the picture.

I think I have PMOS. What should I do?

If you believe you have PMOS, the first step is to visit a healthcare provider. They’ll be able to listen to your concerns, review your symptoms, and determine if you have PMOS. Before visiting your healthcare provider, track your daily physical symptoms and jot down any questions you want answered.

This story was produced by Aeroflow Urology and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.