Polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS, is a common condition impacting women’s health and fertility that often gets underserved. A new name — polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome — may help.

In their rationale in The Lancet, authors pointed to the fact that features of PCOS or PMOS can be metabolic, reproductive, psychological and dermatological. Notable in the name change is the drop of “polycystic” in favor of “polyendocrine” (endocrine refers to hormones, which are disrupted in PCOS) and the addition of “metabolic.”

Doctors say the naming shift to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome reflects a clear understanding of the hormonal and metabolic condition affecting millions of women

A group of world health experts and medical leaders want to rename polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. Here's what they're proposing instead and why. (Adobe Stock)

A condition that impacts millions of women is getting a new name. Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a reproductive hormone imbalance, will now be known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS for short.

Global health experts are proposing to rename Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). This change aims to better reflect the condition's broader hormonal and metabolic impacts,

Different from ovarian cysts, PCOS is associated with infertility, pregnancy complications, heart disease and a general decreased quality of life, and yet fewer than half of those affected even know they have it.