From PCOS to PMOS: What the Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome name change means for our patients 

From PCOS to PMOS: What the Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome name change means for our patients

Commentary by Dr. Wael Saab, fertility consultant and senior medical director 

The medical community is currently experiencing a major shift in how we talk about reproductive and metabolic health. With recent global coverage highlighting the transition from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), many patients are wondering what this name change means for their diagnosis, fertility treatment, and long-term wellbeing. 

For years, the term “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” has caused unnecessary confusion. The name implies that patients suffer from dangerous cysts on their ovaries. Those “cysts” are actually completely natural, healthy fluid-filled follicles that have under-developed due to hormonal imbalances. 

By updating the medical terminology to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), we are finally calling this condition what it truly is: a systemic hormonal and metabolic condition. 

Why is PCOS being renamed to PMOS? 

The change to PMOS corrects a misleading description as it isn’t about the ovaries, it is about a patient’s endocrine and metabolic systems. PMOS can affect almost every aspect of a sufferer’s daily life and long-term health, including: 

• Insulin resistance and how the body processes sugar 

• Hormonal fluctuations and ovulatory function 

• Weight management and metabolic rate 

• Long-term cardiovascular health risks 

This new name validates what our patients experience every single day. It acknowledges that symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, and irregular cycles aren’t just isolated fertility issues, but are driven by a complex, interconnected metabolic engine. 

PCOS vs. PMOS: Our stance at CRGH London 

While we fully support the medical accuracy of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, we also recognise that sufferers across the world have spent years finding answers, seeking fertility advice, and building supportive communities under the banner of PCOS. To stop using the acronym would make it much harder for patients to find the help, resources, and community they need online and in person. 

In our London fertility clinic, we are introducing the term PMOS to give our patients a clearer, more accurate framework for their medical treatments and lifestyle wellness plans. However, we will continue to use both PCOS and PMOS in our daily conversations. 

Our priority is to ensure our patients always feel connected to the global community they know. We are updating the science to provide better care, but we are keeping the conversation accessible, familiar, and empathetic for the people who matter most: the patients. 

Frequently asked questions About the PMOS name change 

What does PMOS stand for? 

PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. It’s the updated medical term for the condition previously known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). 

Do I have cysts if I am diagnosed with PMOS? 

No. Despite the old name “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,” the condition does not cause actual ovarian cysts. Instead, a scan typically shows an increased number of small, harmless, natural follicles that have stayed small due to hormone imbalances. 

Will my fertility treatment change with the new PMOS name? 

The name change itself doesn’t alter your care. It will allow fertility specialists to build more comprehensive treatment plans that address both reproductive health and underlying metabolic factors like insulin resistance.