One in Eight Women Affected: Why PCOS Is Being Renamed
New Name Better Describes the Complex Endocrine Disorder
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has updated the name and classification for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The update, which is supported by leading experts in reproductive medicine, reflects a broader and more accurate understanding of the condition. As ASRM explains:
ASRM has endorsed the name change for the condition previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The new name is Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). PMOS impacts 1 in 8 women, which equates to more than 170 million women worldwide. For too long, PCOS has been reduced from a complex, long-term hormonal or endocrine disorder to a misunderstanding about ‘cysts’ and a focus on ovaries. This contributed to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.
The new name was developed through a global engagement that included 56 patient organizations and societies worldwide, including ASRM. The work included a survey with 22,000 responses and the performance of multiple workshops of health care professionals and women with lived experience. Women with the condition were the biggest drivers of the name change. The new name, PMOS, accurately reflects the condition and its symptoms. The name change will facilitate greater awareness, improving care and outcomes.
— ASRM
Trimble Spitzer, MD,
a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with Valley Health Fertility, concurs with the renaming and classification, offering details below of how PMOS can affect women’s health with respect to fertility, endocrine and metabolic function.
What symptoms do women with PMOS typically experience?
- Irregular bleeding patterns
- Lack of ovulation
- Infertility
- Facial hair growth (often more than other women in their family)
- Difficulty losing weight
- Pre-diabetes, metabolic concerns
How does PMOS affect fertility?
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Many women with PMOS don't have ovulatory cycles, so they are not releasing an egg each month. When eggs are not released from the ovaries, they are not able to be fertilized to achieve a pregnancy.
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Ovulations predictor kits or similar tools often do not work well to predict ovulation for women with PMOS, making it difficult to time intercourse when attempting a pregnancy.
How commonly is PMOS seen among patients seeking fertility support?
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35-50% of women who are referred to Valley Health Fertility have been previously told they have PMOS or they currently meet the diagnostic criteria for PMOS.
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We help women who are seeking fertility services in addition to managing their PMOS.
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We are also able to provide a roadmap for those who are not currently seeking a pregnancy, but want to manage symptoms and better understand their future fertility options.
How are care and health outcomes expected to improve with the updated classification of PMOS?
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The name change better describes the diagnosis as a complex, hormonal or endocrine disorder that involves much more than ovarian "cysts.”
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This deeper understanding is helpful for patients and medical providers alike when addressing treatment strategies.
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Research shows that PMOS affects multiple systems, including hormonal, dermatologic, mental health, and long-term endocrine and metabolic function.
What does a PMOS diagnosis mean for fertility and future health?
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While a diagnosis of PMOS may make fertility more challenging, it does not mean a woman is infertile. Often management can be simple, and success does not need to rely on expensive complex treatments.
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For those women who are not currently desiring a pregnancy, education and early intervention are an important part of PMOS management.
I think I may have PMOS. What should I do?
You are not alone. If you have concerns about PMOS, don't wait to seek guidance. Speak with your trusted Primary Care practitioner or OB/GYN. You may also connect with one or several Valley Health specialists, who are here to help:
