The condition PCOS is now called PMOS. What to know about the name change and what it means for care
Click2Houston • • health
Key Points:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting 1 in 8 women globally, has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect its complex hormonal and metabolic nature and improve diagnosis and treatment.
- The previous name was misleading, focusing on ovarian cysts which are not always present, contributing to misunderstandings and inadequate care, according to experts from the Endocrine Society and researchers involved in the 14-year collaboration leading to the change.
- PMOS involves hormonal fluctuations affecting weight, metabolism, mental health, reproduction, and skin, and is linked to metabolic syndrome, increasing risks for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
- Symptoms vary and include irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens causing acne and hair changes, and may involve ovarian follicles; diagnosis in teens requires irregular periods and signs of high androgens.
- Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, with medications such as insulin sensitizers, androgen blockers, and hormonal birth control tailored to individual symptoms and reproductive goals, while the new name aims to raise awareness and improve patient care.