PCOS renamed PMOS to better reflect women's health condition

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:00]PCOS, now called PMOS, impacts about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Now, the agency also estimates up to 70% of women worldwide living with a condition don't know that they have it. Here in Oregon, that could translate to well over 100,000 women.

[00:00:19]And now, after years of research and advocacy, doctors are changing its name.

[00:00:24]PCOS, short for polycystic ovary syndrome, will now be called PMOS for poly endocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. So, why does this matter, exactly? Experts say the new name better reflects what the condition actually is, a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder that can impact the entire body, not just ovaries. Symptoms can include irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, acne, weight gain, excess hair growth, insulin resistance, and even an increased risk for conditions like diabetes and heart disease. But, doctors say one of the biggest problems with the old name is that many women with the condition don't actually have ovarian cysts at all, which has led to confusion and delayed treatment. OHSU officials tell me the hope now is that the new name could lead to better awareness, earlier diagnosis, and more whole-body treatment for women right here in Oregon.