PCOS/PMOS awareness month

September has long been recognized as PCOS Awareness Month, a time to bring greater attention to a common but often misunderstood condition. This year, that conversation comes with a significant change: PCOS has a new name.

In May 2026, polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, was renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. If the new acronym has left you with questions, you’re not alone. PMOS is not a new condition, and an existing PCOS diagnosis is still valid. The new name is intended to describe the condition more accurately and reflect its effects beyond the ovaries.

We spoke with Dr. Heather Huddleston, Allara’s Chief Medical Advisor and Director of the UCSF PCOS Clinic, about why the name changed and what it means for your diagnosis and care.

‍

What is PMOS? 

PMOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect the entire body, not just the ovaries. While it can affect periods and ovulation, it can also influence insulin regulation, skin and hair, fertility, and emotional well-being.

The condition can look very different from one person to another. Some people first seek care because of irregular periods. Others may be concerned about acne, unwanted hair growth, hair thinning, difficulty conceiving, or changes in their metabolic health. That range of experiences is part of why a more accurate name was needed.

Is PMOS a different condition from PCOS? 

No. PMOS and PCOS refer to the same condition. The underlying condition has not suddenly changed, and neither have the symptoms you have experienced. What has changed is the language we use to describe it.

A more accurate name can help patients and healthcare professionals understand that this is not simply a condition involving the ovaries. It is a long-term hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect multiple areas of health.

Why did the name change? 

The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” was misleading in two important ways. First, it placed most of the attention on the ovaries, even though the condition can also affect hormonal, metabolic, reproductive, dermatological, and mental health.

Second, the word “polycystic” created the impression that PCOS was caused or defined by ovarian cysts. The ovarian features associated with the condition are not abnormal ovarian cysts, and not everyone with the condition has polycystic-appearing ovaries. Focusing too heavily on “cysts” contributed to confusion, delayed diagnoses, and fragmented care.

PMOS puts the hormonal and metabolic aspects of the condition more clearly into the name while still acknowledging that ovarian and reproductive health can be affected.

Who decided to change the name?

This was not a decision made by one organization or a small group of doctors. The new name followed a 14-year international effort involving 56 patient and professional organizations. More than 22,000 people participated in surveys, alongside workshops with healthcare professionals and people with lived experience. Patients were among the strongest drivers of the change.

That involvement matters because the previous name did not just create clinical confusion; it also shaped how people understood their own condition and whether they felt their full range of symptoms was being taken seriously.

Will the way PMOS is diagnosed change?

The name change itself does not create a new diagnostic process. Healthcare professionals will still consider a combination of symptoms, medical history, laboratory findings, and, when appropriate, imaging. They should also rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Ideally, the new name will encourage a more complete evaluation. Rather than focusing only on periods, fertility, or the appearance of the ovaries, providers may be more likely to consider the broader hormonal and metabolic picture.

Will my care or treatment change?

Your treatment should not change simply because the condition has a new name. Care should still be based on your individual symptoms, health history, laboratory results, and goals. Depending on the person, that might involve support for menstrual health, metabolic health, fertility, skin or hair symptoms, nutrition, sleep, movement, or mental health.

What the new name can change is the way healthcare professionals think about that care. Recognizing PMOS as a condition that can affect multiple systems reinforces the need for more comprehensive, coordinated support rather than treating each symptom as an unrelated issue.

Will people still use the term PCOS?

Yes. You will likely see both PCOS and PMOS used for some time. A three-year transition is underway, with the new name expected to be fully incorporated into the international guidelines in 2028. Medical systems, insurance coding, research, patient resources, and everyday language will not all change at once.

During that transition, using PCOS does not mean someone is referring to a different or outdated condition. Searching for both terms may also help you find the most complete information.

What do you hope this new name changes for patients?

My hope is that it helps people feel that the full scope of their health is finally being recognized. Names influence what patients look for, what healthcare professionals investigate, and what researchers choose to study. Moving away from an inaccurate focus on ovarian cysts can create a clearer understanding of PMOS as the complex, long-term condition it is. A new name cannot fix every gap in diagnosis or care, but it can give us a more accurate place to begin.