Polycystic ovary syndrome changes name: a turning point that rekindles hope for millions of women

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has officially changed its name to "Metabolic Polyendocrine Ovarian Syndrome" (MOPOS). A historic decision, aimed at overcoming a definition deemed reductive and misleading.

After more than a decade of worldwide consultations, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects one in eight women, has been renamed. This hormonal disorder, which is thought to affect some 170 million women worldwide, will henceforth be known as Polyendocrine Ovarian Metabolic Syndrome (POMS).

This historic name change was published in The Lancet and announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague, marking the culmination of 14 years of collaboration between international societies and patient groups on six continents.

According to several specialists, including endocrinologist Prof. Helena Teede, Director of the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation in Melbourne, the misleading nature of the term "polycystic" in PCOS has for too long contributed to delayed diagnosis and inadequate medical management.

Goodbye "polycystic ovaries"!

For years, PCOS was referred to as "polycystic ovary syndrome". But this name, as scientists, doctors and patients now affirm, reflected only a tiny part of the problem. And often inaccurately. Now, the historic shift from PCOS to POMS, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, marks a far from purely formal change, aimed at improving diagnosis, care and awareness.

For decades, the syndrome has been associated almost exclusively with the presence of "ovarian cysts", whereas we now know that this is not the real crux of the disease. PCOS is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder, affecting hormones, metabolism, body weight, mental health, skin and the reproductive system.

The old name, say experts, contributed to confusion, delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Many women felt ignored, not listened to or referred back to superficial explanations, while living with chronic symptoms and profound repercussions on their quality of life.

At the same time, another study by the same team of researchers confirms precisely what many patients have been denouncing for years: the presence of ovarian cysts is not the central element of the syndrome. Hence the need to move beyond what is now considered a misleading definition.

The transition to the new name will take three years, and will be accompanied by an international information campaign aimed at doctors, public authorities and researchers. The aim is to have the new definition officially integrated into international recommendations by 2028.

Behind this decision lies a cultural and social dimension. According to the promoters, certain terms linked to the reproductive sphere can reinforce stigmatization and discrimination, especially in certain global contexts. The new name was therefore designed to be more scientifically rigorous, but also less stigmatizing.