Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)A Practical Guide for Patients
Author: Dr. Md. Abdul Bari Robel, MBBS, DEM
Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity & Hormone Specialist
IMPORTANT NOTE
| PMOS – The New Name for PCOS Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is the updated terminology proposed by an international expert consensus to replace Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The new name reflects that the condition affects multiple endocrine and metabolic systems, not only the ovaries. Many women with the condition do not have ovarian cysts, while insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance are central features. Because the terminology is changing, both ‘PCOS’ and ‘PMOS’ may still appear in current medical literature. |
Why the Name Changed
| Previous Term (PCOS) | Updated Term (PMOS) |
| Focused on ovarian cysts | Reflects a multisystem endocrine-metabolic disorder |
| Could be misleading | Describes the underlying biology more accurately |
| Did not emphasize metabolic risk | Highlights insulin resistance and cardiometabolic health |
| Old terminology remains in older publications | Both names may be encountered during the transition |
Core Features of PMOS
| Feature | Clinical Importance |
| Ovulatory dysfunction | Irregular or absent menstrual cycles |
| Hyperandrogenism | Acne, hirsutism, scalp hair thinning |
| Insulin resistance | Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes risk |
| Obesity | Common but not universal |
| Metabolic dysfunction | Dyslipidaemia, MASLD, cardiovascular risk |
| Infertility | Reduced ovulation in many women |
References
- International consensus proposal introducing the term PMOS (2026).
- International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS (2023).
- Endocrine Society resources on PMOS/PCOS.
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine statements on PMOS.