Polycystic ovary syndrome has officially been renamed, and the change reflects a much deeper understanding of what this condition actually involves. Whether you have lived with PCOS for years or have just been diagnosed, here is what the new name means, what stays the same, and how to support your body through it.
From PCOS to PMOS: What Changed and Why
As of May 2026, polycystic ovary syndrome is being renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS (1)(2). The change followed an eleven year global consensus process involving more than 22,000 people and a coalition of 56 patient and professional organisations, including the Endocrine Society (1). The reasoning behind the change is straightforward. The old name focused on ovarian cysts, yet cysts are not always present and are not the main driver of the condition. This narrow focus contributed to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care and unnecessary stigma for the estimated 170 million women affected worldwide (1). Both names will remain in use during a three year transition, so do not worry if your doctor, your test results or your own research still refer to PCOS.
What Is PMOS (Formerly Known as PCOS)?
PMOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition, not simply a reproductive one. It is one of the most common endocrine conditions in women of reproductive age and a leading cause of fertility difficulties. It is also, at least in part, genetic, with research showing a clear hereditary component, so a family history of PCOS or PMOS can raise your own likelihood of developing it. Importantly, you can still have PMOS with regular periods. While irregular cycles are common, some people with the condition ovulate consistently but experience other symptoms such as excess androgens or insulin resistance instead.
Common Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms vary widely from person to person, which is part of why the condition can be tricky to recognise. Common signs include irregular or absent periods, excess hair growth on the face or body, often referred to when people search for information on hirsutism, acne along the jawline or chest, weight gain that tends to settle around the middle, sometimes described as PCOS belly, and thinning hair on the scalp. Many people also experience insulin resistance, which can make weight management and energy levels feel like a constant uphill battle.
Diagnosis and Blood Tests
Diagnosis is usually based on a combination of symptoms, an ultrasound scan and blood tests that check hormone levels, including testosterone and markers linked to insulin resistance. If you are waiting for or have recently had a PCOS blood test, it is worth remembering that results can vary depending on where you are in your cycle, so your doctor may want to repeat certain tests or look at the overall picture rather than a single result in isolation.
Treatment and Management Options
Medical treatment depends on your individual symptoms and goals. Metformin is commonly prescribed to help manage insulin resistance, while letrozole is often used to support ovulation for those trying to conceive. Diet and lifestyle changes, including regular movement and a balanced, lower glycaemic diet, remain a central part of managing symptoms for most people. Because PMOS affects everyone differently, working with your doctor to build a plan suited to your specific symptoms tends to work far better than a one size fits all approach.
Living Well with PMOS
A new name will not change your symptoms overnight, but it does reflect a wider, more accurate understanding of what you are actually dealing with. Whatever term you see used, whether that is PCOS or PMOS, the most useful next step is the same: understanding your own symptoms, working with your doctor on a plan that fits you, and giving your body consistent, gentle support along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS and PMOS
What is PCOS called now?
As of May 2026, PCOS is officially being renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, following a global consensus process (1)(2).
Why was PCOS renamed to PMOS?
The name PCOS focused too heavily on ovarian cysts, which are not always present, and the change was made to better reflect the condition's hormonal and metabolic nature and to reduce diagnostic delay and stigma (1).
Can you have PCOS with regular periods?
Yes, it is possible to have regular periods while still experiencing other symptoms of PCOS or PMOS, such as excess androgens, acne or insulin resistance.
Is PCOS hereditary or genetic?
Yes, PCOS and PMOS have a genetic component, and having a close family member with the condition can increase your own likelihood of developing it.
Does inositol help with PCOS symptoms?
Research suggests inositol may be similarly effective to metformin for managing insulin resistance related PCOS symptoms, while generally being better tolerated (5).
Can spearmint tea help with PCOS symptoms like hirsutism?
Randomised controlled trials have found that drinking spearmint tea twice daily can significantly lower circulating androgens, though more research is needed to confirm the effect on visible hirsutism (4).
References
- Endocrine Society. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: New name to improve diagnosis and care
- The Lancet. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process
- NHS. Polycystic ovary syndrome
- PubMed. Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome: a randomised controlled trial
- PMC. Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
