After more than a decade of global consultation, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a condition that affects one in eight women – has a new name. The hormonal disorder, estimated to affect 170 million women worldwide, will now be known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
The new name was spearheaded by the endocrinologist Prof Helena Teede, the director of Melbourne’s Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation. For too long, experts say, the misleading nature of the term ‘polycystic’ in PCOS contributed to delayed diagnosis and inadequate medical care. Guardian Australia’s Matilda Boseley breaks down the common misconceptions about PMOS.
‘Unprecedented’ global effort gives new name to polycystic ovary syndrome – and new hope to millions of women ► https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2026/may/12/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-new-name-polyendocrine-metabolic-ovarian-syndrome-pmos
What is PCOS, what are the symptoms and treatment, and why is it being renamed PMOS? ► https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/12/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-pmos-symptoms-meaning-treatment-causes-risk-factors-new-name-explained
‘I still want to scream’: the loneliness and confusion of living with PMOS ► https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/12/reader-experiences-pcos-pmos-polyendocrine-metabolic-ovarian-syndrome
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