- Experts are advocating for a common women’s health condition, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), to be renamed due to the current title contributing to delayed diagnoses and misunderstanding.
- The condition, affecting around one in eight women, is a complex, long-term hormonal disorder impacting weight, skin, metabolic, mental health, and the reproductive system.
- A new consensus statement published in The Lancet proposes the name polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect the condition’s multi-system pathophysiology.
- The current name is criticised for implying “pathological ovarian cysts” and obscuring diverse endocrine and metabolic features, leading to fragmented care and stigma.
- NHS officials have confirmed they will “carefully consider” the recommendation, which has garnered support from academics, patient, and clinical groups.
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