For those diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), managing the condition often feels bigger than just an ovary issue.
Now, the medical community has united globally to officially rename the condition to PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) to more accurately describe its complexity. The name change was published recently in The Lancet medical journal and based on 14 years of collaboration between experts and those who have lived experience with the condition.
For decades, the word “cystic” misled both patients and providers into thinking the condition was strictly an ovarian cyst issue. In reality, PMOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that affects about 20% of women. Symptoms can include irregular or missed periods, excess facial or body hair, severe acne, and weight gain, as well as potential insulin resistance, mental health challenges, and other long-term health effects.
“Cystic in the title has long been a misnomer that makes women think it’s an ovarian cyst issue, and that’s led to a lot of misdiagnoses, a lot of misunderstanding,” said Sarah Whitehead, M.D., a gynecologist at UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham. “It’s a lot more than just an ovarian cyst issue, and many women are dealing with so many more symptoms than the name suggests.”
The new name breaks down exactly what is happening in the body, based on definitions of the following words:
- Polyendocrine, meaning that multiple hormone systems are involved
- Metabolic, referring to how the body processes energy and sugar
- Ovarian, in that it affects menstrual cycles
“When these systems misfire, it creates a frustrating cycle,” Dr. Whitehead said. “High levels of androgens (male-type hormones) block ovulation, leading to irregular cycles and fertility struggles. At the same time, those hormones drive insulin resistance that can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes.”
Dr. Whitehead says her tried and true first treatment approach is recommending lifestyle changes focused on nutrition, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Also, certain medications can help control symptoms.
The name change to PMOS isn’t just about semantics – it’s a profound clinical shift. It addresses longstanding gaps in diagnosing the condition, patient education, and specialized care that ideally will lead to:
- Fewer missed diagnoses: Doctors will look at the whole metabolic picture, meaning that fewer women will be dismissed because they do not fit the outdated profile.
- A full care team: It calls for a multi-specialty approach involving gynecologists, endocrinologists, and nutritionists.
- Better insurance coverage: The new classification helps insurance companies and pharmacies approve vital metabolic and insulin-management medications that often have not been covered.
“First, this will benefit women from a diagnostic standpoint, with a better understanding of the condition and leading to fewer women getting missed,” Dr. Whitehead said. “Secondly, allowing this to be recognized as more of an endocrine metabolic issue as well as a GYN issue will allow more physicians and specialists to be actively involved with the management, research, and treatment, making this a really exciting change for women.”
If you are experiencing possible PMOS symptoms, please visit UAB St. Vincent’s Women’s Health or call 205-939-7800 to schedule an appointment with a provider.