What Is PMOS? Understanding the New Name for PCOS

Originally Published: May 2021

In May 2026, an international panel of medical experts updated the name Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
The new name better reflects what this condition really is, because it doesn’t just affect the ovaries. PMOS can impact hormone levels, metabolism, fertility, and long-term health. Experts also wanted to move away from the word "polycystic," since many people with the condition do not actually have cysts on their ovaries.

You will still see and hear the name PCOS for some time. Many healthcare providers and patients use it out of habit, and it will continue to appear in older articles, websites, and educational materials. Throughout this article, we'll use the updated name, PMOS.

PMOS is one of the most common hormone-related conditions affecting women of reproductive age. It affects about 1 in 10 women, yet many people don’t realize they have it. In fact, PMOS is often underdiagnosed. The good news is that with the right diagnosis and treatment, many people can successfully manage their symptoms and lower their risk for future health problems.

What is PMOS?

PMOS (formerly PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries function. It can cause irregular ovulation, higher levels of male hormones called androgens, and changes in the ovaries.

Despite what the old name suggested, you do not need to have cysts on your ovaries to have PMOS. The updated name reflects what healthcare providers have long known. This condition affects much more than the ovaries.

What causes PMOS?

There is no single known cause of PMOS. Researchers believe several factors work together, including:

• Insulin resistance, when the body has trouble using insulin effectively

• Hormone imbalances that increase androgen levels

• Differences in how the body regulates energy

• Genetics, since PMOS often runs in families

Researchers continue to study why some people develop PMOS while others do not.

What are the symptoms?

PMOS looks different for everyone. Some people have only a few symptoms, while others experience several.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Irregular or missed periods

• Heavy menstrual bleeding after going months without a period

• Difficulty becoming pregnant due to irregular ovulation

• Acne

• Increased facial or body hair

• Thinning hair on the scalp

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Darkened areas of skin, especially around the neck or underarms

Not everyone with PMOS is overweight. About one in five people with PMOS are at a healthy weight.

Why is a diagnosis important?

Many people first learn they have PMOS when they are trying to become pregnant. While PMOS is one of the leading causes of infertility, fertility treatment is only one reason to seek care.

PMOS can also increase your risk for other health conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Prediabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
• Thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
• Endometrial cancer

Because these risks can develop over time, getting diagnosed early allows you and your healthcare provider to monitor your health and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.

If you have irregular periods, especially if you sometimes go months without one, speak with your healthcare provider. It is not something you should ignore.

How is PMOS diagnosed?

There is no single test that confirms PMOS.

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, menstrual cycles, and medical history. They may also perform a physical exam, order blood tests, and recommend an ultrasound to look at your ovaries.

Most healthcare providers diagnose PMOS using the Rotterdam criteria. A diagnosis is made when at least two of these three findings are present:

• Signs or blood test results showing higher-than-normal androgen levels

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound

Since several other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, your provider may also order blood work to rule out other causes.

How is PMOS treated?

There is no cure for PMOS, but treatment can help manage symptoms, improve fertility if desired, and reduce the risk of future health problems.
Your care plan will depend on your symptoms, your overall health, and whether you want to become pregnant.

• Healthy lifestyle changes: Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and even modest weight loss can improve insulin resistance, hormone balance, and ovulation for many people. These changes may also reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
• Managing irregular periods: If you are not trying to become pregnant, hormonal birth control is often the first treatment used to regulate menstrual cycles and protect the lining of the uterus.
  For people who can’t take estrogen, other options include progestin-only medications, hormonal IUDs, or medications like metformin.

• Treating acne and excess hair growth: Medications like spironolactone may help reduce acne, unwanted facial or body hair, and hair thinning. Results often take several months, and treatment usually helps manage symptoms rather than eliminate them completely.
• Fertility treatment: If you are trying to become pregnant, your healthcare provider may recommend medications that stimulate ovulation. Many people with PMOS can achieve pregnancy with the right treatment plan.

When should you see a healthcare provider?

Speak with your healthcare provider if you have:

• Irregular or missed periods

• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• New or worsening acne
• Increased facial or body hair
• Unexplained weight gain
• Hair thinning on your scalp

These symptoms do not always mean you have PMOS, but they are worth discussing with your provider.

You are not alone

PMOS is common, but many people live with symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis. If something about your menstrual cycle or overall health does not feel right, trust your instincts and ask your healthcare provider about it.

Early diagnosis and personalized treatment can help improve your symptoms, protect your long-term health, and support your fertility goals, if and when you are ready.

Schedule an appointment

Our Obstetrics and Gynecology Care Center provides personalized care for people with PMOS and other hormone-related conditions. We can help you understand your symptoms, create a treatment plan, and support your long-term health.