First, it was named after two men. The name was then given based on a false premise. More than a century later, one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women around the world has a science-backed name.
A global consortium of medical professionals, patients and advocates has announced that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should henceforth be known as polyendocrine-metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The changes, which have been 14 years in the making, were unveiled this week at the European Society of Endocrinology congress.
Experts in gynecology and endocrinology, as well as experts in adolescent medicine (PMOS is diagnosed in early teens) agree that this is validation of a patient’s broader symptoms and a clearer path to a comprehensive diagnosis and management plan that addresses all aspects of health, prompting earlier and more effective intervention.
“The transition from PCOS to PMOS is a landmark moment in endocrinology and a victory for millions of patients who have been overlooked for decades,” says Michelle Maresca, MD, an endocrinologist who treats patients with PMOS at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian-Hackensack University Medical Center. “The previous name posed a major barrier to diagnosis and understanding the disease process. Focusing solely on the ovaries fostered a narrow perspective that overlooked the larger metabolic and hormonal picture. Removing the focus on ovarian morphology and understanding aspects of metabolic dysfunction will facilitate more comprehensive treatment approaches and validation of patients’ complex hormonal and metabolic symptoms.”
The name change from PCOS to polyendocrine-metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) represents an important and necessary evolution in our understanding and approach to this complex condition. This is more than just a change in terminology. It is a move beyond the misleading focus on ovarian cysts to a more comprehensive and accurate diagnosis. ”
Jocelyn A. Carlo, MD, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon and Chief of Gynecology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center
The new name rightly highlights the metabolic and hormonal disorders at the core of the syndrome, which manifest as irregular periods, excess androgens, and an increased risk of long-term health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. ”
How science decided on the name change
- Medical accuracy: The term “polycystic” is a misnomer. A “cyst” is actually an underdeveloped follicle, and this feature is not present in all patients. The old name caused confusion and the focus was now on the ovary.
- General condition: PMOS is more than just a reproductive disorder. The new name emphasizes significant endocrine and metabolic issues such as insulin resistance, which affects up to 85% of patients and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.
- Improving patient care: An estimated 170 million people worldwide have PMOS, but up to 70% are undiagnosed. Experts believe the misleading name plays a role in preventing patients from getting tested for related metabolic and psychiatric disorders.
The name change aims to change the focus of medical care, improve diagnostic rates and ensure that patients receive comprehensive care for complex conditions well beyond their reproductive years. It is also hoped to encourage formal approval of treatments like metformin, which are often prescribed “off-label” at high out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Hackensack Meridian Doctors A medical facility is treating a teenage patient with PMOS. Diagnosing PCOS includes a comprehensive evaluation to rule out other conditions. This includes a physical exam, a review of your menstrual history, a pelvic ultrasound, and blood tests to check your hormone levels. Treatment is highly individualized and managed through a multidisciplinary program that incorporates hormone therapy, insulin sensitizers, and significant lifestyle changes such as dietary modification and regular exercise. This program also addresses beauty concerns such as acne and hair growth. The goal is long-term management to improve fertility and prevent serious health complications in the future, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
“Our multidisciplinary approach has always treated this as a systemic problem, not just an ovarian problem. We know that addressing insulin resistance and long-term health risks early is paramount, so we combine hormone therapy with nutritional guidance, exercise planning, and metabolic support,” says Heather L. Appelbaum, MD, chief of pediatrics and adolescent gynecology at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “The new name, PMOS, is a testament to this comprehensive approach. It helps families understand that we are treating a complex metabolic and endocrine disease, allowing them to fully engage in a treatment plan that not only manages current symptoms but aims to protect their child’s health for a lifetime.”
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