News
Global Experts Propose New Name for PCOS to Better Reflect Disease Complexity
16 June 2026
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age, impacting an estimated 6–13% of women worldwide.
The New Name for PCOS: A Multistep Global Consensus Process
Over the past decade, growing scientific evidence has highlighted the complex nature of PCOS, which is associated not only with reproductive symptoms but also with insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors, and mental health challenges.
A global panel of experts has recommended renaming Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), marking a significant shift in how one of the most common women’s health conditions is defined and understood.
The recommendation, published in The Lancet, follows a multi-step international consensus process involving healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient representatives. The experts concluded that the current term “PCOS” fails to accurately capture the broad range of hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive abnormalities associated with the condition.
PCOS affects millions of women worldwide and is associated not only with ovarian dysfunction but also with insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, increased cardiovascular risk, and long-term health complications.
The proposed name “Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome” better reflects the condition’s systemic nature and its impact beyond reproductive health.
The initiative also highlights the growing recognition of women’s health as a major public health priority and the need for terminology that aligns with current scientific understanding.
If adopted broadly by clinical societies and healthcare systems, the new terminology could influence future clinical guidelines, patient education materials, research priorities, and healthcare communication worldwide. The proposal represents one of the most significant updates in women’s endocrine health in recent years.
Quatrefolic® Supports Women’s Health and Reduces PMOS Risk
An interesting clinical trial brings encouraging news for women with PCOS, suggesting that folate supplementation may significantly improve key markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Quatrefolic®, the active form of folate, can reduce the damage caused by oxidation.
