By Dr Manuel Izquierdo (Licensed Gynecologist – 280308601).
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has changed its name. The international scientific community has agreed on a new name: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
The aim is not simply to replace one acronym with another, but to correct the idea that PCOS is a condition primarily centred on the ovaries and associated with the presence of “cysts”.
In reality, PMOS is a much more complex condition involving hormonal, ovulatory and metabolic factors, and its effects can extend beyond fertility. The name change is therefore the result of an extensive international consensus process published in 2026 in the scientific journal The Lancet, involving healthcare professionals, researchers, patients and 56 academic, clinical and patient organisations from different parts of the world.
The main reason is that the term “polycystic ovary syndrome” does not accurately describe everything associated with this condition. One of the main sources of confusion is precisely the word “polycystic”. The name may lead people to think that patients have numerous cysts in their ovaries, when what is usually seen on an ultrasound scan is a high number of small ovarian follicles.
In addition, not all people diagnosed with the syndrome have a particular ovarian morphology. Some patients have ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism without showing this characteristic appearance on an ultrasound scan.
The former name therefore focused on a feature that is not present in all patients and placed less emphasis on other fundamental aspects of the condition. This is one of the reasons why experts consider that the term PCOS could contribute to an incomplete understanding of the syndrome and even to delays in its identification and treatment.
The new acronym stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. Each of these terms is intended to better reflect the nature of the condition:
The aim, therefore, is to move from a name focused largely on the appearance of the ovary to one that better represents the endocrine, metabolic and reproductive dimensions of the condition.
However, it is important to emphasise that this does not mean that all women with PMOS experience exactly the same changes. One of the characteristics of this syndrome is its heterogeneity, and symptoms, their severity and their potential effects can vary considerably from one patient to another.
Yes. The former PCOS and the new PMOS refer to the same condition. A woman who was previously diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome does not need a new diagnosis simply because the name has changed. Nor does this mean that a new disease has been discovered or that all existing knowledge about PCOS is now outdated. Only the way the syndrome is named and understood has changed.
For this reason, during a transition period it will be common to find both names in medical consultations, scientific publications, websites and healthcare documentation. The international implementation strategy specifically envisages a gradual transition from the former terminology to the new name.
This name change does not in itself alter the diagnostic criteria currently used. This has been emphasised in medical publications following the consensus.
In adult women, international recommendations consider the diagnosis when at least two of the three main characteristics are present: hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and characteristic ovarian morphology.
Fertility remains one of the areas that can be most affected by PMOS, but it is not the only one. One of its possible manifestations is ovulatory dysfunction. Some women have highly irregular menstrual cycles or prolonged periods without ovulation, which can make it more difficult to conceive.
However, having PMOS does not mean being infertile or being unable to become pregnant naturally. Its impact on fertility varies considerably between patients and depends on factors such as the frequency of ovulation, age, ovarian reserve and the possible presence of other female or male reproductive factors.
When there are difficulties becoming pregnant, a fertility assessment can help determine the individual situation and establish which strategy may be most appropriate. The new name also helps to highlight that managing a patient with PMOS should not be limited exclusively to achieving ovulation or pregnancy. Her endocrine and metabolic health should also be assessed as part of a comprehensive approach.
This is probably the main message behind the change in terminology. PMOS can be associated with manifestations such as menstrual irregularities, excess androgens, acne, hirsutism or difficulties related to ovulation, but it may also be associated with changes in insulin sensitivity and other metabolic risk factors.
In addition, the way the syndrome presents varies considerably. Not all patients are overweight, not all have insulin resistance, not all experience fertility problems and not all show characteristic ovarian morphology.
For this reason, medical management must be adapted to the needs and characteristics of each woman. The new name aims precisely to promote this comprehensive view and prevent healthcare from focusing solely on the ovaries or on the time when a patient wishes to become pregnant.
The change did not happen overnight. The international process that led from PCOS to PMOS took place over several years and combined surveys, consensus methods, workshops and the participation of healthcare professionals and people living with the condition.
The work eventually published in The Lancet collected 14,360 responses from patients and healthcare professionals from different regions of the world and involved 56 academic, clinical and patient organisations.
Among the organisations that have endorsed and begun to promote the new name are leading medical organisations such as the Endocrine Society and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). The conclusion was Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), translated into Spanish as Síndrome Ovárico Metabólico Poliendocrino (SOMP).
If you have already been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, the change of name does not mean that you need to repeat tests or undergo a new diagnosis. Your PCOS is now referred to as PMOS, but your clinical situation does not change as a result.
What matters is that your follow-up is adapted to your characteristics and goals at each stage: menstrual regularity, symptoms associated with excess androgens, metabolic health, contraception, pregnancy planning or treatment for possible fertility problems, among other aspects.
Therefore, if you have a previous diagnosis of PCOS, you may continue to find medical information using both names over the coming years.
Teede HJ, Bahri Khomami M, Morman R, Laven JSE, Joham AE, Costello MF.
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process.
The Lancet.
2026;
2329-2339
Consenso internacional sobre el cambio de denominación de SOP a SOMP:
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8
Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven J, Dokras A, Moran LJ, Piltonen TT.
Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Fertility and Sterility.
2023;
767-793
Recomendaciones internacionales para la evaluación y manejo del SOP:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.07.025
Monash University.
International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2023.
Monash University.
2023;
Guía internacional basada en la evidencia sobre el manejo del SOP:
https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/online_resource/International_Evidence-based_Guideline_for_the_Assessment_and_Management_of_Polycystic_Ovary_Syndrome_2023/24003834/1
Endocrine Society.
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: New name to improve diagnosis and care of condition affecting 170 million women worldwide.
Endocrine Society.
2026;
Información sobre el cambio de denominación de SOP a SOMP:
https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2026/pcos-name-change
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