PCOS Is Now PMOS: What the Name Change Means

PCOS is now called PMOS, or Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, following a global renaming endorsed by ASRM in May 2026. The condition itself has not changed. Its symptoms, its causes and the way doctors diagnose it are all the same. Only the name is different. The change followed a worldwide review involving 56 patient organisations and a survey of 22,000 responses.

Is PCOS now PMOS?

Yes. On 27 May 2026 the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) announced it was endorsing the new name for the condition previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The full new name is Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, shortened to PMOS.

The rename was not a single organisation's decision. According to ASRM, the new name was developed through a global engagement that included 56 patient organisations and societies, a survey that drew 22,000 responses, and a series of workshops with healthcare professionals and women living with the condition. ASRM states that women with the condition were the biggest drivers of the change.

Why was PCOS renamed?

Because the old name described the wrong thing. In ASRM's own words, the term "polycystic ovary syndrome" reduced a complex, long-term hormonal condition to a misunderstanding about cysts and a focus on the ovaries. ASRM says this contributed to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.

The fluid-filled sacs seen on an ultrasound in this condition are not cysts in the usual sense, and not everyone with the condition has them at all. A name built around that one feature pointed both patients and clinicians away from what the condition actually involves, which is hormonal and metabolic.

What does PMOS stand for?

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. Each part of the name describes something the old name left out:

• Polyendocrine — it involves more than one hormone system, not the ovaries alone.
• Metabolic — it affects how the body processes energy, which the name "polycystic ovary syndrome" never signalled.
• Ovarian — the ovaries are still involved.
• Syndrome — it is a group of features that occur together, which is why it looks different from one person to the next.

PMOS vs PCOS: what is the difference?

There is no medical difference. They are two names for the same condition. The table below sets out what changed and what did not.

If you were diagnosed with PCOS, you have PMOS. You do not need a new diagnosis, and nothing about your care changes because of the name.

Who has adopted the name PMOS so far?

Adoption is real but not yet universal. We checked four major bodies directly on 5 August 2026:

This is normal for a name change of this size. Expect both names to appear side by side for a long time, in research papers, in clinic letters and in conversation.

What does the name change mean for you?

In practical terms, very little — and that is the point.

• Your diagnosis still stands. A PCOS diagnosis is a PMOS diagnosis.
• Your treatment does not change because of the name. Any change to your care is a conversation with your own doctor, not a consequence of the rename.
• Older information is still valid. Anything written about PCOS, including research published before May 2026, is about the same condition.
• You may see both names for years. Your medical records, your prescriptions and your clinicians may keep saying PCOS for some time.
• It is still a long-term condition. The rename does not change that it is managed rather than cured.

The reason the change matters is not administrative. The stated goal, in ASRM's words, is to improve awareness so that the condition is recognised and treated properly — the old name's focus on cysts was contributing to people being missed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is PCOS now called PMOS?

Yes. ASRM endorsed the new name Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) on 27 May 2026. It refers to the same condition previously called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

What does PMOS stand for?

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. The name signals that the condition involves several hormone systems and the body's metabolism, not the ovaries alone.

Is PMOS different from PCOS?

No. They are two names for the same condition. The symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment are unchanged.

Do I need to be re-diagnosed under the new name?

No. An existing PCOS diagnosis is a PMOS diagnosis. Nothing about your diagnosis or your care changes because of the name.

Why did they change the name of PCOS?

ASRM states the old name reduced a complex long-term hormonal condition to a misunderstanding about cysts, and that this contributed to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.

Who decided to rename PCOS?

The name came out of a global engagement involving 56 patient organisations and societies, a survey with 22,000 responses, and workshops with clinicians and women living with the condition. ASRM endorsed it in May 2026.

Is everyone using the name PMOS now?

Not yet. ASRM and Monash MCHRI have adopted it. As of 5 August 2026, ACOG and the World Health Organization had not.

Sources

• American Society for Reproductive Medicine — "PCOS is Now PMOS: Understanding the Name Change", 27 May 2026.
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine — PMOS clinical coding summary.
• Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation — PMOS Resources, the centre behind the international evidence-based guideline for the condition.
• World Health Organization — Polycystic ovary syndrome fact sheet (checked 5 August 2026, still under the former name).