A hormonal condition affecting 8% to 13% of reproductive aged women globally, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been officially renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
According to the World health organization (WHO), Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder which is higher than normal androgen levels.
And it often leads to irregular menstrual periods, abnormal ovulation, infertility, excess facial or body hair and or acne in women.
The renaming followed a 14-year global advocacy effort involving thousands of clinicians, researchers, and patients.
Etymologically, the term “Polycystic” has been misinterpreted as the term is found medically misleading. According to medical experts, the sac-like structures seen on ultrasounds are not actual abnormal cysts that can bleed or rupture. Rather, they are merely harmless, arrested fluid follicles containing underdeveloped eggs.
Also, the new name shifts focus away from an isolated ovarian issue to a multisystem condition affecting the whole body. Because many women diagnosed with the condition never developed the follicles.
Additionally, over 70% of the affected women globally are not diagnosed.
Medical practitioners further note that the old name has caused care fragmentation which involves rendering treatment based on symptoms without addressing the root of the issues.
Hence , the new name Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) tends to address the misconceptions of “Cystic.”
PMOS breakdown
- Polyendocrine: Multiple interacting hormone pathways are affected, including elevated male sex hormones (androgens) and neuroendocrine disruptions.
- Metabolic: The condition heavily impacts metabolic functions, insulin signaling, and blood sugar regulation, significantly raising the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Ovarian: Ovaries are part of the equation causing irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, or fertility struggles but they are not the sole culprit.
Notably PMOS formerly PCOS runs in families but can cause a range of different symptoms which affect women in different ways. It is a chronic metabolic condition that persists beyond the reproductive years.
Also, women with PCOS are at higher risk of a variety of longer-term health problems that can affect physical and emotional well-being compared to other women without it. Another effects include insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
