PMOS: New 'PCOS' name reflects it as a whole-body condition, not just a hormonal disorder

For years I’ve had young women walk into my consultation room worried about irregular periods, sudden weight gain, acne, growth of facial hair or difficulty conceiving.

A lot of them come thinking these are separate problems. Some have already spent years trying different diets, supplements, or skincare treatments, but they often do not realise that one underlying condition connects all these symptoms.

PCOS is now increasingly being called PMOS – Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome worldwide. And as a gynaecologist, I think this change is important because it finally reflects what doctors have been seeing in practice for years: the disorder is not just a hormonal or ovarian condition. It includes the whole body.

The recent discussions in The Lancet and other international medical fora about renaming PCOS to PMOS are not just about changing the name. They are a deeper understanding of the condition itself. The older name, “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome", was often perplexing. PCOS does not mean a patient has cysts in the ovary, and more importantly, the name did not address the metabolic and long-term health consequences associated with the disorder.

In fact, PMOS is strongly associated with insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disorders. To put it simply, the body has difficulty metabolising insulin properly. This results in increased insulin levels, which in turn leads to increased androgen (a group of hormones that play a key role in growth, reproduction, and body function in both men and women) production. This hormonal imbalance affects ovulation, menstrual cycles, skin health, fertility, weight regulation and even emotional wellbeing.

What concerns me most today is how early we are beginning to see these changes in younger women and even teens.

Modern lifestyles play a significant role. Add to this erratic eating habits, poor nutrition in the name of crash diets, lack of physical activity, disturbed sleep cycles, chronic stress, and being in “survival mode” physically and emotionally. There’s so much pressure on young women – academic pressure, career pressure, and social pressure – with no time to rest and recuperate. In the end the body responds to this stress hormonally and metabolically.

But PMOS doesn’t end with fertility and periods.

Research over the years has consistently found that women with this condition are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease. Rightly called metabolic syndrome now, many patients are surprised to learn that a gynaecological problem can also impact heart health or blood sugar levels. This is why PMOS is being recognised as a whole-body condition these days.

There is also an emotional aspect to this disorder that is often overlooked. Women with PMOS often experience anxiety, low self-esteem, body-image problems and emotional exhaustion. Some get angry when their symptoms are dismissed as “just stress” or “just weight gain.” Others quietly carry the burden of infertility battles for years. As doctors, we have to realise how closely mental health is related to hormonal health.
Interestingly, early intervention can make a huge difference.

Today the treatment is much more than just prescribing tablets to regulate periods. Now we are focusing on improving metabolic health overall. Lifestyle correction is the base: balanced nutrition, regular exercise, good sleep, stress management, and sustainable routines. Certain medications, such as Metformin improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance in some women. Supplementation with inositol, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids and CoQ10 may also be beneficial for metabolic and reproductive health.

I view this shift from PCOS to PMOS as a positive and necessary evolution in women’s healthcare. It is easier to think of the patient as a whole person and not just her ovaries or her menstrual cycle.

Most importantly, it sends a reassuring message to women. If your body feels out of balance, it is not “all in your head", and it is not something to ignore. PMOS is real, complex and increasingly common – but with timely diagnosis, the right medical guidance and sustainable lifestyle changes, it can absolutely be managed well.

Dr Anita David, Consultant – Gynaecologist, Infertility Specialist Vaginal & Laparoscopic Surgeon (OBS & Gyn), Cosmetic Gynaecologist – HOSMAT Hospitals