Earlier this week, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, popularly called PCOS, was officially renamed to PMOS. The change in the name was made after 14 years of collaboration between health experts and patients and research that was published in The Lancet on May 12.
The change has brought out a positive reaction from women across India and the globe, who are happily sharing it on social media, and rightly so. It is because the disorder that is known to affect 1 in 8 women around the world was primarily focusing on cysts and ovaries, when it is a much more complex hormonal and endocrine disorder requiring a multidisciplinary approach, and better late than never, especially for those women who suffer with it, affecting their daily lives.
Mumbai doctors react
“The proposed change from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome) is a welcome and necessary update. For years, “PCOS” has been misleading because not every woman with this condition has cysts in their ovaries,” Dr Sujata Rathod, who is the senior consultant—obstetrician & Gynaecologist, KIMS Hospitals in Thane said.
The disorder, she says, is more about metabolism and hormones than the name suggests. “The new term highlights the broader issues, including insulin resistance, inflammation, weight changes, and long-term metabolic risks. This update was overdue because it helps women see that this is not just a “period problem,” she adds.
It is not only Dr Sujata but also Dr Kajal Parikh with mid-life clinic NuHer, who is another city-based gynaecologist, that is happy about the change. She shares, “The overall understanding is that endocrinology in PCOS plays a huge role in rectifying or reversing the disease and that it`s a syndrome that affects metabolic health along with hormonal health and reproductive health.”
She highlights, “PCOS was in a way misleading and was leading to inaccuracy in diagnosing patients. PMOS rightly addresses the Endocrine, Metabolic and ovarian dysfunction, making it a multisystem disease. The change will aim at improving understanding, reducing stigma, and enhancing long-term care. This will lead to better awareness programs too.”
Will there be a change in treatment approach?
Even though the change has been made, will it affect the way PCOS is treated? The city-based women`s health expert, who specialises in Minimal Access Surgery and Reproductive Endocrinology, says, “The diagnostic and therapeutic criteria have not changed, and hence the treatment profile will stay the same. This change only helps in creating an environment of understanding from a multidisciplinary point of view.”
Dr Sujata, confirms, saying, “The treatment approach may not change dramatically right away, but attitudes toward management will shift. Traditionally, many women focused on irregular periods or fertility issues. With PMOS, we start to focus more on metabolic health, such as improving insulin sensitivity, preventing diabetes, managing cholesterol, and lowering cardiovascular risk. It promotes a more complete and preventive approach instead of just treating symptoms.”
Common misconceptions about PCOS
The change comes at a time when there are still several misconceptions about PCOS, now called PMOS. The Thane-based gynaecologist highlights, “One major misconception is that PCOS only affects overweight women. Lean women can also have serious hormonal and metabolic issues. Another myth is that women with PCOS cannot conceive naturally, which is false. Many women manage the condition successfully and have healthy pregnancies. People also mistakenly think it only involves facial hair or acne, while the condition can also significantly impact mental health, metabolism, sleep, and long-term wellness.”
Dr Kajal says one of the most common misconceptions that she has encountered is that many people believe that PCOS occurs only in the reproductive age group and only a gynaecologist is the right person to direct treatment. She busts the myth saying, “It`s a disease ranging from adolescence to adulthood and requires assessment of the complete spectrum of a women’s health. People also believe that birth control pills can be the treatment of choice and that is another stigma attached to its treatment. There is also a misunderstanding that its irreversible and has a poor outcome and one must live with it has made patients go on a back foot for accessing treatment.”
Why PCOS shouldn’t be taken lightly
Dealing with these misconceptions is why PCOS, now changed to PMOS, shouldn’t be taken lightly, say experts. Dr Kajal explains, “Since it is well established that PCOD is a metabolic and endocrinology dependent disease, it’s important to treat it early on to avoid long-term side effects and disruptions from a reproductive as well as endocrinology standpoint. Earlier diagnosis and co-ordinated care can improve outcomes dramatically. The overall health and wellbeing of the patient is based on targeting the treatment at the right age bracket and not too late.”
Dr Sujata further explains, “PCOS is not just a cosmetic or reproductive concern. If left unmanaged, it can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, infertility, and even endometrial cancer in some cases. Hormonal imbalances affect many organs and systems in the body. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial because the effects often develop slowly and quietly.”
Causes and symptoms of PMOS
The Thane-based gynaecologist says PCOS arises from a combination of genetics, insulin resistance, lifestyle choices, stress, and hormonal imbalance. She adds, “Common symptoms include irregular periods, acne, weight gain, excessive hair growth, hair thinning, and difficulty getting pregnant. However, often overlooked symptoms include anxiety, depression, sleep problems, fatigue, and a higher risk of metabolic disorders. Many women suffer for years without realising these symptoms are linked.”
On the other hand, Dr Kinjal says the obvious irregular cycles and acne will bring the patient to a gynaecologist or a dermatologist; however, there is more. She highlights, “The silent variations in androgenic access, insulin resistance, disproportionate weight gains not in accordance with lifestyle, metabolic disorders, thyroid disorders, hypertension, fatigue, infertility, mood swings, sleep disturbance, sleep apnoea and many more are many such symptoms that can be easily misdiagnosed and poorly treated if not assessed well.”
Managing PCOS with lifestyle changes
Both the city-based experts believe PCOS can be managed with lifestyle changes. Dr Sujata explains, “Lifestyle changes are central to management. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, stress control, and maintaining a healthy weight can greatly improve symptoms and hormone levels. Even small, consistent changes can have a significant impact. Medication may help in some instances, but lasting lifestyle habits truly lead to better long-term results.”
Lifestyle holds a clear role in managing PCOS/PMOS symptoms and treatment, highlights Dr Kajal. “The entire treatment profile is based on correcting the endocrinology of either hyperandrogenism or insulin resistance or weight and inflammatory-related symptoms. The treatment profile requires a clear understanding of a non-inflammatory lifestyle with musculoskeletal training for a better treatment outcome. Lifestyle changes in PCOS are non-negotiable,” she concludes.
