From PCOS to PMOS: understanding the reasons for name change

15 MAY 2026

The endocrinologists welcomed the change in the nomenclature by The Endocrine Society, a global network of people dealing with hormones, for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which would henceforth be known as PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome).
The new name emerged out of a multistep global consensus process over the years.
It was argued that the term PCOS was ‘inaccurate’ as it relied only on the presence of ovarian cysts, thereby hiding the multitude of factors that contribute — including diverse endocrine and metabolic features.
Thus constrained, it contributes to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care and comes in the way of curtailing research and policy on the issue.
It is estimated that the syndrome affects 170 million women during their reproductive years alone.
She further adds: “When people google PCOS, what comes up is ‘difficulty conceiving, pregnancy loss and gestational diabetes mellitus.’ That is also the general perception — linked as it is to fertility, it has become associated with a lot of stigma.”
There is another category of metabolic disorder that was renamed recently — Non Alcoholic fatty liver disease became Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.