Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. Despite its high prevalence, its name has been debated among specialists for years.
Recently, an international group of experts proposed replacing the term PCOS with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Although this change does not alter the diagnosis or the treatments currently available, it does represent a new way of understanding the condition.
Why has it been decided to change the name of PCOS?
The traditional name focuses exclusively on the ovaries. However, the hormonal, metabolic and reproductive changes that characterise the syndrome go far beyond ovarian function.
In addition, not all women diagnosed with PCOS have ovaries with a polycystic appearance, and not all small follicles seen on ultrasound are true cysts.
For this reason, many specialists believe that the new name more accurately reflects the clinical reality of this condition.
What does PMOS mean?
The new name aims to describe the complexity of the disorder more accurately:
- Ovarian, because it still affects reproductive function and ovulation.
- Metabolic, because of its close relationship with insulin resistance, overweight, obesity and the increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Polyendocrine, because it involves changes in different hormones and endocrine systems, not only in the ovaries.
This change helps us understand that it is not only a gynaecological problem, but a systemic disease with a range of clinical manifestations.
Beyond fertility: a comprehensive view of health
One of the most relevant aspects of the name change is that it highlights the need to approach the syndrome in a comprehensive way.
In addition to reproductive changes, women with PMOS may present:
- Insulin resistance.
- A greater tendency to gain weight.
- Changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- A higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
- An increased long-term cardiovascular risk.
For this reason, follow-up should not focus only on gynaecological symptoms, but also on metabolic health in general.
What does this change mean for women who want to become mothers?
Although the new name does not change the diagnostic criteria or the treatments currently available, it does encourage a more complete understanding of the condition and its impact on fertility.
PMOS remains one of the main causes of ovulation disorders. However, understanding its metabolic component makes it possible to design more personalised therapeutic strategies, taking into account all the factors that may influence both reproductive capacity and the course of pregnancy.
Because better understanding a condition is also the first step towards treating it better.
