A Landmark Shift in Women's Health: PCOS Is Now Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
On May 12, 2026, the global endocrinology and reproductive medicine communities marked a defining moment in women's health: officially renaming Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
The announcement, published in The Lancet, was led by Professor Helena Teede of Monash University alongside the International Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society and 56 collaborating patient and professional organizations, representing 14 years of rigorous scientific and patient-centered work.
The Clinical Rationale
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome — was, by the medical community's own assessment, both clinically misleading and scientifically inaccurate. Research accompanying the renaming confirms there is no documented increase in abnormal ovarian cysts in patients with the condition, undermining the foundational premise of the original name. More significantly, that name failed to convey the true breadth of this condition.
PMOS is a complex, long-term endocrine disorder affecting 1 in 8 women — more than 170 million individuals worldwide. Its symptoms can include hormonal dysregulation, metabolic dysfunction, effects on weight and mental health, dermatological symptoms, and reproductive complications. A name that implied a singular ovarian pathology was always insufficient to capture this complexity, leading to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment.
A patient-driven process
What distinguishes this renaming effort is its scope and its grounding in patient experience. Over 22,000 survey responses were gathered. Multiple international workshops were conducted with patients and multidisciplinary providers. The International PCOS Network took deliberate care to ensure cultural sensitivity in the new terminology, recognizing that reproductive language carries different weight across different communities
Implications for Care
The transition to PMOS is currently underway, with full implementation expected in conjunction with the 2028 International Guideline update. At NYU Langone Fertility Center, our clinical approach to this condition has long reflected its complexity — integrating hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive considerations into individualized treatment plans. The new name aligns with how we have always understood and cared for patients with this diagnosis.
If you have questions about how this change affects your diagnosis or your care, we encourage you to reach out to your care team. Our specialists are available to discuss what PMOS means for your health and your fertility goals.
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