PCOS is now PMOS: Everything You Need to Know About the Name Change

In May 2026, a major terminology update in women’s health was announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague and published in The Lancet, changing the name of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome).

The change reflects growing scientific understanding that the condition is not only linked to ovarian cysts, but is also a hormonal disorder and metabolic disorder that can affect many areas of health. This article explains why the name changed, what PMOS means, how it may affect UK patients and what the future of diagnosis and treatment could look like.

In One Sentence:

PCOS was renamed PMOS in 2026 following a 14-year global collaboration involving more than 14,000 patients and multidisciplinary health professionals worldwide, with the new name better reflecting the hormonal and metabolic nature of the condition [1].

Key Takeaways

• Is PMOS new? 

PMOS is not a new medical condition, but a terminology update for the condition previously known as PCOS.

• Why did the name change? 

The name changed because experts believed the old term focused too heavily on ovarian cysts rather than the condition’s hormonal nature and metabolic nature.

• Did ovarian cysts cause confusion? 

Ovarian cysts are not always present in people diagnosed with PMOS, which contributed to confusion, misdiagnosis and patient anxiety.

• How does the change affect UK patients? 

UK patients receiving care through the NHS or private medical treatments are expected to continue with the same clinical transition and treatment plans during the early implementation period.

• Will treatment be affected? 

Treatments for PMOS will still focus on symptom management, fertility support and reducing long-term metabolic risks such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risks.

PMOS at a Glance

PMOS is the new name for the condition previously known as PCOS, recognising that it affects hormones, metabolism and reproductive health rather than only the ovaries.

PMOS, or Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, remains one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women’s health in the UK. The condition can cause irregular periods, fertility difficulties, weight changes, acne and excess hair growth. 

Although ovarian cysts may still appear on scans for some patients, experts now believe the older name did not accurately reflect the full body impact of the condition.

Why was Polycystic Ovary Syndrome renamed to PMOS?

The condition was renamed because experts believed the old name was medically inaccurate and did not reflect the true complexity of the condition.

For many years, healthcare professionals recognised that people diagnosed with PCOS did not always have pathological cysts on ultrasound scans. In most cases, the structures seen on scans are actually immature egg follicles rather than true cysts. This created confusion among patients and sometimes contributed to misdiagnosis or unnecessary patient anxiety.

The older term also focused mainly on reproductive symptoms, despite evidence showing strong links to metabolic risks, cardiovascular risks and long-term health complications. Many patients with the condition experience insulin resistance, increased risks of Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic concerns even when fertility is not their main symptom.

Think you may have PMOS? Try our PMOS Symptoms Quiz.

Experts involved in the terminology update argued that the previous name did not fully explain the hormonal and metabolic nature of the condition. Professor Aled Rees of Cardiff University and Professor Colin Duncan of the University of Edinburgh were among the specialists supporting the move towards a name that better reflects modern scientific understanding.

The update also aims to improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients. Some people previously assumed PCOS only affected fertility or ovarian health, when in reality the condition can affect the whole body.

What does the PMOS acronym stand for?

PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, with each word describing a key feature of the condition.

Polyendocrine

The term polyendocrine reflects the fact that PMOS affects multiple hormone systems throughout the body.

People with PMOS often have hormonal imbalances involving androgens, sometimes referred to as male hormones, alongside changes in luteinising hormone (LH) and insulin signalling. These hormonal changes can contribute to symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth and irregular ovulation.

Metabolic

The metabolic part of the name highlights the strong connection between PMOS and metabolic health.

Many patients experience insulin resistance, which can increase the likelihood of weight gain and raise the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes over time. Researchers increasingly believe these metabolic features are central to the condition rather than secondary complications.

Ovarian

The ovarian part of the acronym recognises the reproductive effects of the condition.

PMOS can affect ovulation, the menstrual cycle and fertility. Many patients experience irregular periods because eggs are not released regularly from the ovaries. While ultrasound scans may still show multiple follicles on the ovaries, these are not always true cysts.

Syndrome

The word syndrome remains because PMOS includes a group of related symptoms and clinical features rather than one single symptom.

Different people with PMOS may experience very different symptoms. Some mainly struggle with fertility concerns, while others are more affected by metabolic or hormonal symptoms.

What does the PMOS name change mean for UK patients?

The PMOS terminology update is not expected to immediately change how UK patients are diagnosed or treated.

During the transition period, NHS records, the NHS app and clinical systems may continue using the term PCOS alongside PMOS. General Practitioner (GP) surgeries and endocrinology clinics are expected to gradually adopt the updated terminology over time.

Despite the 2026 name change, UK clinicians are expected to continue diagnosing the condition using the established Rotterdam Criteria. These guidelines require two out of three markers for diagnosis: irregular periods, high androgens, or ultrasound evidence of ovarian changes [2].

For most patients, treatment plans will remain similar. Common treatment options may still include metformin for insulin resistance and hormonal contraception for menstrual cycle regulation and symptom management.

Rachel Morman from Verity, a UK charity supporting people with the condition, has spoken about the importance of clear patient communication during the transition. The Society for Endocrinology has also supported efforts to improve understanding among healthcare professionals and patients.

Patients do not need to seek a new diagnosis simply because the terminology has changed. Existing medical records and previous diagnoses remain valid during the clinical transition.

How does the new name compare to the old name?

The PMOS name places greater focus on whole body health rather than only reproductive features.

The older term, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, was often criticised for being too narrow and potentially misleading. Many healthcare professionals felt it encouraged a reproductive view of the condition while overlooking broader metabolic and hormonal complications.

By comparison, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome reflects the condition’s scientific accuracy more effectively. The updated diagnostic terminology acknowledges that PMOS involves multiple endocrine systems and can affect cardiovascular, metabolic and reproductive health together.

Supporters of the change also believe the new name may encourage earlier recognition of metabolic concerns. This could help improve long-term management and encourage a more holistic approach to care.

What is the future outlook for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome research?

Researchers hope the PMOS terminology update will support more holistic treatment options and stronger international research collaboration.

The experts behind the 2026 terminology change have already launched a three-year implementation roadmap designed to support the global transition to the new name. According to the Society for Endocrinology announcement, the updated terminology and holistic treatment protocols are expected to be fully integrated internationally by the publication of the 2028 International Guidelines [3].

Researchers such as Stephen Franks of Imperial College London and Professor Helena Teede of Monash University have emphasised the importance of improving both medical research funding and long-term patient care.

Future research is expected to focus more heavily on insulin resistance, cardiovascular health, mental wellbeing and personalised treatment approaches. There is also growing recognition of the value of patient support groups in improving awareness and ongoing disease management.

The broader understanding of PMOS may also encourage better collaboration between endocrinologists, fertility specialists, dietitians and primary care professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PMOS have a cure?

There is currently no cure for PMOS, but many symptoms can be managed successfully with treatment and lifestyle changes.

Treatment often focuses on disease management, including medication to regulate hormones or improve insulin sensitivity alongside healthy eating, physical activity and weight management where appropriate. Many patients can manage symptoms effectively with long-term medical support.

Do I need to see my GP about the name change?

Most people do not need a separate GP appointment purely because of the terminology update.

Your medical records may gradually begin using PMOS instead of PCOS, but your diagnosis and treatment plan should remain valid. If you have concerns about medication, symptoms or fertility, speaking with your GP may still be helpful.

Is PMOS a new disease?

No, PMOS is not a new disease and does not replace previous diagnoses.

The condition itself remains the same. The updated terminology simply reflects improved understanding of the hormonal, metabolic and reproductive aspects of the condition.

Final Thoughts From Our Clinical Team

“The change from PCOS to PMOS represents an important step towards more accurate, whole-body care for patients living with the condition. While the terminology may take time to become fully established across the NHS and private healthcare settings, the update reflects a broader understanding of how the condition affects metabolic, hormonal and reproductive health together. Better scientific language may also support improved awareness, patient empowerment and a more consistent standard of care in the years ahead.”

Sources

[1] Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process - The Lancet

[2] Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - PubMed

[3] Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is the new name for PCOS | SfE