Experts Rename Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, a common hormonal condition in women, has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome.

A group of women's health experts from around the world introduced the new name in a paper published in The Lancet medical journal. They presented the change today at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague.

The authors called the term PCOS inaccurate because it suggests the condition stems only from ovarian cysts. In reality, it involves a combination of hormonal, metabolic and ovarian problems.

This misunderstanding can result in delayed diagnosis, fragmented care and stigma, the experts said.

The international group selected PMOS after working with 56 academic, clinical and patient organizations. They gathered input from more than 14,000 people with the condition and health professionals worldwide.

PMOS reflects the disorder's effects on multiple hormones, metabolism and ovarian function.

The authors said a global implementation strategy is in progress. It includes updating disease classifications, education efforts and alignment with health systems.

PCOS, now PMOS, affects one in eight women. Diagnoses are rising among American women.

The condition leads to irregular periods, weight gain, excess body hair, acne and trouble getting or staying pregnant, according to experts.

PCOS links to chronic inflammation, which can increase insulin resistance, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.

In some cases, women with PCOS produce too few hormones to ovulate. This causes ovaries to form cysts. Those cysts can rupture and lead to abdominal pain, nausea or bleeding.

The cysts produce androgens, hormones that disrupt menstrual cycles and cause PCOS symptoms, Johns Hopkins stated.