If you were told you have PCOS, you may have seen a surprising headline this year: the condition has a new name. That naturally raises questions - Is it a different disease now? Does my treatment change? Will it affect my chances of pregnancy?
This guide explains the PCOS new name, PMOS, in simple terms: why it was renamed, what the new words mean, what stays exactly the same for diagnosis and treatment, and what it means if you are planning a pregnancy.
Quick answer: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The change was published in The Lancet on 12 May 2026 after a global consensus process. It is the same condition with a more accurate name; diagnosis criteria and treatment have not changed, and both names will be used during a three-year transition.
For decades the name "polycystic ovary syndrome" suggested the problem was cysts on the ovaries. Research has shown that this is misleading. According to the Endocrine Society, there is no increase in abnormal ovarian cysts in the condition. The small round shapes seen on an ultrasound are follicles that stopped growing part-way (arrested follicles), not true cysts.
The old name also hid the bigger picture. The condition affects hormones, insulin and blood sugar, weight, skin, mood and long-term heart health, not just the ovaries. The WHO estimates that up to 70% of affected women are undiagnosed, and the experts behind the change say the old name contributed to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care and stigma.
The new name came from a 14-year international effort involving 56 academic, clinical and patient organisations and more than 22,000 survey responses from patients and health professionals across all world regions. India took part as well: The Indian Express reported that Indian clinicians were involved in the consensus process.
In one line
Each word in the new name describes a real part of the condition:
The experts also deliberately avoided the word "reproductive" in the name. As reported by The Indian Express, this was to reduce stigma in societies where a woman's value is often tied to childbearing - a point that matters in India too.
The simplest way to think about it: the label on the bottle has changed, but the contents are the same. During the three-year transition, doctors, labs and reports may use "PCOS", "PMOS" or "PMOS/PCOS". The new name is due to be fully adopted in the 2028 international guideline update.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is PMOS a new disease? | No. It is the same condition with a new name. |
| Do I need new tests? | Not because of the name. Tests depend on your symptoms and plans. |
| Does my treatment change? | No. Treatment approaches are unchanged. |
| Is PCOD the same as PMOS? | "PCOD" is an informal term used in India for the same condition; ask your doctor what your report means. |
| Will reports change? | Gradually. You may see PCOS or PMOS until 2028. |
The WHO lists these possible symptoms. They differ from woman to woman and can change over time:
It is also linked with anxiety, low mood and poor body image. These are real parts of the condition, not something to ignore or be embarrassed about.
Diagnosis has not changed. In adults, the international guideline needs at least two of these three features, after other causes have been ruled out:
If a woman already has irregular periods and signs of high androgens, an ultrasound or AMH test is not needed for diagnosis. In teenagers, both irregular cycles and high androgens are needed, and ultrasound or AMH is not recommended, because many healthy teenage ovaries look "polycystic".
Your doctor will also check for conditions that can look similar, such as thyroid problems or a raised prolactin level. Our existing guide explains how thyroid problems and PCOS both affect fertility: padmasrihospitalsandivfcentre.com/how-pcos-and-thyroid-problems-affect-fertility.php.
The Indian Express quoted Indian experts estimating that 16-18% of Indian women may have the condition, higher than the global figure of about 1 in 8. Experts also pointed out that insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome are common in India, and that metabolic changes can appear even in teenagers with the condition.
The WHO advises that women newly diagnosed should have blood tests for insulin resistance and an assessment of heart and blood-vessel risk. In practice, this often means checking:
This is also why the condition matters in pregnancy. The WHO notes a higher risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure in pregnancy, so extra monitoring is sensible.
Key points so far
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed well and long-term risks reduced. According to the WHO, treatment is based on your symptoms, your priorities and shared decision-making with your doctor. Options include:
Please do not start or stop any medicine because of the name change. If your plan needs to change, it will be for a clinical reason, not because of the new label.
The WHO describes the condition as the most common cause of anovulation (not releasing an egg) worldwide. That does not mean pregnancy is unlikely. Many women with the condition conceive, some naturally and some with help.
Fertility treatment options described by the WHO include lifestyle changes, medicines or surgery to stimulate ovulation, and IVF or other assisted reproduction. When ovulation medicines are used, scans to track egg growth help time intercourse or IUI. Follicular monitoring is described on our service page at padmasrihospitalsandivfcentre.com/follicular-monitoring.php, and PCOS fertility treatment and ovulation induction are listed at padmasrihospitalsandivfcentre.com/fertility-services/.
If you are trying to conceive, it also helps to check blood sugar, thyroid and folic acid intake before pregnancy, because of the higher risk of pregnancy complications.
Consider a check-up if you have:
At Padmasri Hospitals & IVF Centre in Akkayyapalem, PCOS and endometriosis care is part of our gynaecology services, listed at padmasrihospitalsandivfcentre.com/gynecology/.
For a consultation, call +91 80083 36677 or use our contact page. Padmasri Hospitals & IVF Centre, 49-48-16/5, NH16, NGGOS Colony, Akkayyapalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530016.
PCOS is now called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The new name was published in The Lancet on 12 May 2026 after a global consensus process.
The old name suggested the problem was ovarian cysts, which is inaccurate. The condition affects several hormone systems and metabolism, so the new name describes it better and aims to reduce delayed diagnosis and stigma.
Yes. It is the same condition with a new name. The diagnosis criteria and treatment have not changed.
PMOS is the new official name and PCOS the old one. "PCOD" is an informal term often used in India for the same condition; ask your doctor to explain your own report.
Not because of the name change. Your doctor may still suggest regular checks of blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure, because the condition has long-term metabolic effects.
Many women with the condition do conceive, some naturally and some with treatment such as ovulation medicines, IUI or IVF. A gynaecologist can suggest options based on your tests.
Written by Padmasri Hospitals & IVF Centre Editorial Team · Updated 28 October 2026
This article is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a qualified doctor.