The international medical community has decided to rename polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to “polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome.” The truth is that the modern understanding of PCOS goes beyond the reproductive system.
The disease is characterized by complex hormonal imbalances, including insulin, androgens, neuroendocrine, and female sex hormones. These disorders manifest themselves in a variety of metabolic, reproductive, psychiatric and cutaneous disorders. The historical name “polycystic ovary syndrome” turns out to be incomplete, because it does not reflect the full range of symptoms and can distort understanding of the disease.
The process to agree the new name, led by Helena Tiede from Monash University, included global surveys of more than 22,000 health professionals and patients, as well as working group meetings. The scientific accuracy, clarity, non-duplication, and cultural acceptability of the term were evaluated. Final consensus on the name “polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome” was reached in February 2026.
The experts concluded that accuracy of terminology was more important than maintaining the old abbreviation (PCOS was changed to PMOS). An eight-step strategy has been developed to introduce the new term, including a transition period, informing and updating medical regulations, recommendations and disease classifications. The main goals of the renaming are to increase awareness of the disease and improve its diagnosis, quality of medical care and reporting The scalpel.
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