After years of discussions, the chronic hormonal disorder known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is undergoing a name change to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This condition affects an estimated 170 million women globally and can lead to various symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, excessive facial hair, and mental health issues.
The rebranding was officially announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague and published in The Lancet. Experts, patients, and advocates in Canada have welcomed the name change, anticipating improved care, earlier diagnosis, holistic treatments, and increased awareness of lesser-known symptoms.
Donna Vine, the principal investigator of the PCOS Together research program at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, expressed excitement about the enhanced understanding and care for PMOS patients. The shift in focus from ovaries to hormones and metabolism reflects decades of research findings.
PMOS diagnosis in Canada requires meeting two out of three criteria: irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism (overproduction of testosterone leading to skin issues or excessive hair growth), and ultrasound or blood test results indicating ovarian follicle growth abnormalities.
Individuals with PMOS may experience a wide range of symptoms, including menstrual irregularities, acne, hair thinning, fertility challenges, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The condition also raises the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, and endometrial cancer.
The change from PCOS to PMOS aims to accurately reflect the condition by emphasizing its hormonal and metabolic nature rather than the presence of cysts in the ovaries. The new name emphasizes the involvement of multiple endocrine glands and the impact on hormone levels and metabolic functions.
PMOS patients like Sankirthana Dyapa appreciate the new name’s broader focus on symptoms beyond reproductive health, highlighting the importance of addressing all aspects of the illness. Dyapa’s experiences with misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment led her to co-found McMaster’s PCOS Society, aiming to raise awareness and advocate for better care for individuals with PMOS.
The name change from PCOS to PMOS aims to address the holistic nature of the condition and prioritize the diverse symptoms experienced by patients, moving away from a narrow focus on fertility issues.
