Polycystic ovary syndrome renamed to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome

PMOS is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting 170 million women worldwide. It can lead to infertility, type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues. 

The renaming initiative was led by Helena Teede, director of the Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation.

Professor Teede says the condition's "very inaccurate" previous name did not do justice to the complex, lifelong condition and focused too much on the ovaries.

The new name emphasises the condition's hormonal and metabolic impacts. Professor Teede says this will mean fewer people being misdiagnosed and better treatment.

"(The new name) moves away from that inaccurate cyst implication and the focus on the ovaries… it will get people to understand the broader nature of the condition, that it is an endocrine or hormonal imbalance condition,” she explains.

"It will validate what a lot of women know and experience."

The link with type 2 diabetes

It is more common for women with PMOS to have insulin resistance. This increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Insulin resistance occurs when the muscles and liver do not respond effectively to the hormone. The body starts to produce more insulin to stabilise glucose levels, and keeps doing so until the pancreas is exhausted, resulting in too much glucose circulating in the blood.

The name change to PMOS shifts the focus from cysts and ovaries. With ‘metabolic’ right there in the name, it demands care that addresses insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk alongside reproductive concerns.

Symptoms of insulin resistance can include:

• Low energy after a meal
• Feeling hungry again not long after eating a meal
• Finding it difficult to lose weight, especially around the stomach
• Forgetfulness or ‘brain fog’
• Feeling irritable or anxious after eating

If you have been diagnosed with PMOS (previously PCOS) and recognise these symptoms, speak to your healthcare professional. It is worth asking to test your fasting insulin, fasting glucose and HbA1c to understand how your metabolism is functioning.

The Life! program can be beneficial for women diagnosed with PMOS. It helps people to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke through evidence-based lifestyle changes.

If you are living with diabetes and PMOS and would like more information or personalised care, please contact the Diabetes Care Plus Clinic.