Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) officially changed its name in May 2026. It is now called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome — abbreviated PMOS. A historic change, validated by 56 international organisations, that finally recognises the true nature of this condition.
PCOS or PMOS: what is the difference?
On 12 May 2026, at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague, an international consensus published in The Lancet officially ratified the new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), or syndrome métabolique ovarien polyendocrinien (SMOP) in French.
This is not a trivial change. It is the result of 11 years of scientific work and consultation with more than 22,000 people across the world — patients, doctors, and researchers.
PCOS and PMOS refer to the same medical reality. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, your diagnosis remains valid. What changes is the way medicine names and understands this syndrome.
Why the word "polycystic" was problematic
The old name — polycystic ovary syndrome — had been misleading for decades. What were called "cysts" are in reality follicles: small pouches containing egg cells, visible on ultrasound. They are not true cysts.
The direct consequence was that some patients received a diagnosis based on an ultrasound image that did not necessarily reflect their actual condition. Others, conversely, did not identify with the name even though they genuinely had the syndrome's symptoms.
What PMOS really encompasses
The new name incorporates the three dimensions of the condition:
- Metabolic: insulin resistance, cardiometabolic risk, weight gain
- Ovarian: abnormalities in ovarian function, ovulation disorders
- Polyendocrine: androgen excess (so-called "male" hormones), global hormonal dysregulation
PMOS is the leading cause of female infertility, according to Inserm. It affects approximately 1 woman in 8 of reproductive age (10 to 13% depending on the study).
Symptoms of PMOS (formerly PCOS)
The symptoms remain identical, regardless of the name used:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Difficulty ovulating
- Persistent acne
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
- Weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area
- Chronic fatigue
- Insulin resistance
- Difficulties conceiving
There are 4 distinct phenotypes of PMOS — which explains why two women with the same diagnosis can have very different symptoms. Being overweight is not universal: 20 to 30% of affected women are slim.
What this change means for your care
Naming the condition more accurately is already a step towards better recognition. By abandoning an inaccurate term, specialists hope to:
- Reduce diagnostic delays, which are often too long
- Avoid stigmatisation associated with the image of "damaged" ovaries
- Direct patients towards comprehensive management — hormonal, metabolic, and gynaecological
- Facilitate communication between patients and doctors
Your treatment does not change. The approaches remain the same: lifestyle adaptation, management of insulin resistance, hormonal regulation, fertility support when needed.
In practice: what to do if you are affected
If you have a diagnosis of PCOS — or if you have symptoms that resemble it — a specialist gynaecological consultation remains the essential next step.
PMOS cannot be self-diagnosed. The diagnosis is based on the Rotterdam criteria: 2 out of 3 criteria are sufficient (irregular cycles, hyperandrogenism, ovarian appearance on ultrasound). A full hormonal and metabolic panel allows your phenotype to be identified and management to be tailored accordingly.
Key points to remember
| Former name | New name |
|---|---|
| PCOS — Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | PMOS — Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome |
| SMOP (French) | SMOP — Syndrome Métabolique Ovarien Polyendocrinien |
| Misleading name, centred on "cysts" | Accurate name, integrating hormones, ovaries, and metabolism |
PMOS is the same condition, better understood. This renaming is an advance for all women living with this syndrome — and for the doctors who support them.
Dr. Yasmine Maazouzi, gynaecological surgeon in Marseille, supports women with PMOS (formerly PCOS) throughout their care journey. For any questions or to book an appointment, contact the practice.