Arabic version: تم إعادة تسمية متلازمة المبيض المتعدد الكيسات لتعكس التأثيرات الصحية الأوسع
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has officially been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), according to ABC News. This change aims to provide a more accurate understanding of the condition, which affects about one in eight women and can lead to various metabolic and mental health issues throughout their lives.
The renaming initiative, led by Helena Teede, director of the Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation, was announced today at the 8th European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague. PMOS, a common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting 170 million women worldwide, can lead to infertility, metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues. Teede emphasized that the previous name inaccurately focused on ovarian cysts, thereby misrepresenting the condition’s complexity.
New research co-authored by Teede revealed that women diagnosed with PMOS do not have a higher incidence of abnormal ovarian cysts compared to those without the condition. This finding may lead to changes in how doctors utilize ultrasounds for diagnosis in the future. The criteria for diagnosing PMOS will remain unchanged, focusing on symptoms such as irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, and certain ultrasound findings.
Patient advocates have expressed optimism about the name change, believing it will lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. Lorna Berry, a patient advocate, noted that the new name shifts the focus from reproduction to hormonal health, which could result in better care for women experiencing a range of symptoms. The initiative also aims to enhance awareness among healthcare professionals, ensuring that women of all ages receive appropriate care for PMOS.
Teede’s team has launched an international awareness campaign to educate about PMOS, with the new terminology set to be implemented in the 2028 International Classification of Diseases. This change is expected to validate the experiences of women living with the condition and promote better health outcomes.
