Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder affecting more than 170 million women worldwide, has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) by patients and medical organizations. According to The Lancet, the name change aims to better reflect the condition's wide-ranging impacts on hormones, metabolism, mental health, skin, and the reproductive system.
Key Takeaways
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect the condition's hormonal and metabolic impacts. The name change was announced by patients and medical organizations after a 14-year collaboration.
- PCOS, now known as PMOS, affects over 170 million women worldwide
- Name change aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of the condition
- The new name better reflects the diverse symptoms and impacts of the disorder
- The transition to PMOS will occur over the next three years
The renaming process was led by Professor Helena Teede, director of Monash University's Monash Centre for Health Research & Implementation in Melbourne, Australia. The Endocrine Society noted that the previous name often led to misunderstandings about 'cysts' and a focus solely on ovaries, contributing to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.
The new name was chosen by an international coalition of patients, clinicians, and medical organizations based on input from over 14,000 survey responses worldwide. The transition to PMOS will occur over the next three years, with plans to integrate the new terminology into health systems, clinical guidelines, professional training, and disease classification.
Symptoms of PMOS include irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, pregnancy complications, excess hair growth, acne, anxiety and depression, weight gain, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease. While the condition is not curable, symptoms are treatable with medications and lifestyle changes according to The Endocrine Society.
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