Why Experts Are Renaming PCOS as PMOS 
Ovarian Cysts and Reproductive Health

Tanaka: The name change better reflects the broadness and complexity of the syndrome and removes the intense focus on finding cysts on someone's ovaries, which was just one part of one symptom of one system that could be impacted.

Hopefully, it helps both patients and providers better understand the full scope of the condition, recognize symptoms sooner, and understand that it can affect more than just reproductive health. Even though we're changing the name, the way physicians diagnose it, evaluate it and assess its risks is unchanged.

Tanaka: “Polyendocrine” reflects that multiple hormonal systems are involved, not just those related to reproduction. That includes androgens as well as hormones involved in metabolic and neuroendocrine function. “Metabolic” highlights the role of insulin resistance and insulin dysregulation, which can increase the risk of conditions such as gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes and contribute to broader cardiometabolic risks.

Together, the terms make it clearer that this isn't just a gynecologic or reproductive condition. It involves interconnected hormonal and metabolic systems and can have effects throughout the body.

Tanaka: The ovaries and reproductive system are still an important part of the condition. Irregular or absent ovulation and menstrual cycles is one of the possible diagnostic features.

What we're moving away from is the idea that ovarian cysts define the condition. What have traditionally been called “cysts” in PCOS aren't actually cysts; they're follicles that haven't developed normally. So “ovarian” remains in the name because the ovaries are still involved, but they're only one part of a much broader condition.

Tanaka: The most common things I see are infrequent menstrual cycles and signs of excess androgens, such as cystic acne or male-pattern hair growth on the chin, sideburn or mustache areas. Irregular ovulation can also make it more difficult to conceive.

PMOS can have effects beyond reproductive health as well. Some people may experience weight gain or difficulty losing weight, and the condition is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular concerns such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, as well as an increased risk of sleep apnea. Depression and anxiety are also more common among people with the condition.

But it's important to know that you can have PMOS at any body size or type. People who don't have excess weight or difficulty losing weight may historically have had a harder time getting diagnosed because they didn't “look like” what people expected someone with PMOS to look like.

Tanaka: Usually it comes down to looking for a combination of features while also ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. We generally look for two out of three things: irregular or absent ovulation, signs of excess androgens through physical symptoms or blood work and polycystic ovaries.

At the same time, we're making sure something else isn't causing those symptoms. That can include blood work to check thyroid function and rule out other hormonal or endocrine conditions that can look similar.

Tanaka: This isn't a condition that only belongs in the gynecologist's office. Hopefully, the new name helps primary care doctors and specialists recognize that there are many aspects of PMOS they can help identify and manage, whether that's addressing cardiometabolic risk or recognizing symptoms that may be connected to the condition.

For patients, I hope it helps them better understand how different symptoms and health concerns may be connected, too. Ultimately, the new name gives us a more complete picture of the condition—and hopefully that leads to earlier recognition and more comprehensive care.