Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process
Abstract
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously named polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affects one in eight women. However, the term PCOS is inaccurate, implying pathological ovarian cysts, obscuring diverse endocrine and metabolic features, and contributing to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, and stigma, while curtailing research and policy framing. Building on an international mandate for change, we outline an unprecedented, rigorous, multistep global consensus process for the name change. Funding and governance were established with engagement of 56 leading academic, clinical, and patient organisations. Using iterative global surveys (with responses from 14 360 people with PCOS and multidisciplinary health professionals from all world regions), modified Delphi methods, nominal group technique workshops, and marketing and implementation analyses, we identified principles prioritising scientific accuracy, clarity, stigma avoidance, cultural appropriateness, and implementation feasibility. An accurate new name was prioritised over retaining the PCOS acronym or a generic name. Implementation approaches prioritised evolution rather than transformation. Preferred terms were polyendocrine, metabolic, and ovarian, reflecting the condition’s multisystem pathophysiology, and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome was the consensus new name. Accuracy was improved by omitting cysts and by capturing endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian dysfunction. A co-designed global implementation strategy, including a transition period, education, and alignment with health systems and disease classification, is under way.
Related
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)/polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): current and future trends
- Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Systemic Inflammatory Markers in Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): A Cross-Sectional Study
- Aerobic and Aerobic-Oriented Exercise for Anthropometric, Androgen-Related, and Reproductive Endocrine Outcomes in Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Knowledge gaps regarding polycystic ovary syndrome/polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome among medical students: a cross-sectional study
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome in adolescents.
BibTeX
@article{teede2026polyendocrine,
title = {{Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process}},
author = {Helena Jane Teede and Mahnaz Bahri Khomami and Rachel Morman},
journal = {Reproductive Endocrinology},
year = {2026},
month = may,
doi = {10.18370/2309-4117.2026.83.79-87},
url = {https://doi.org/10.18370/2309-4117.2026.83.79-87},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process
AU - Helena Jane Teede
AU - Mahnaz Bahri Khomami
AU - Rachel Morman
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/05/14
JO - Reproductive Endocrinology
DO - 10.18370/2309-4117.2026.83.79-87
UR - https://doi.org/10.18370/2309-4117.2026.83.79-87
AB - Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously named polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affects one in eight women. However, the term PCOS is inaccurate, implying pathological ovarian cysts, obscuring diverse endocrine and metabolic features, and contributing to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, and stigma, while curtailing research and policy framing. Building on an international mandate for change, we outline an unprecedented, rigorous, multistep global consensus process for the name change. Funding and governance were established with engagement of 56 leading academic, clinical, and patient organisations. Using iterative global surveys (with responses from 14 360 people with PCOS and multidisciplinary health professionals from all world regions), modified Delphi methods, nominal group technique workshops, and marketing and implementation analyses, we identified principles prioritising scientific accuracy, clarity, stigma avoidance, cultural appropriateness, and implementation feasibility. An accurate new name was prioritised over retaining the PCOS acronym or a generic name. Implementation approaches prioritised evolution rather than transformation. Preferred terms were polyendocrine, metabolic, and ovarian, reflecting the condition’s multisystem pathophysiology, and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome was the consensus new name. Accuracy was improved by omitting cysts and by capturing endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian dysfunction. A co-designed global implementation strategy, including a transition period, education, and alignment with health systems and disease classification, is under way.
SN - 2309-4117
SN - 2411-1295
ER -