Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been making headlines recently, marking a change for the 170 million patients worldwide living with the condition.
For decades, the common hormonal disorder, which affects one in eight women, was thought to primarily impact the ovaries. However, as of May 2026, it was renamed Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to better represent the severity and whole-body impact of the disease, says David Bilstrom, MD, who specializes in autoimmune and chronic diseases.
Here’s why it matters to women’s health.
PMOS: A Whole Body Condition
The recent name change was prompted by a desire for more accuracy. In both terms “Poly” means “more,” and “PCOS was really just describing the tip of the iceberg with more ovarian cysts than would be normal,” Dr. Bilstrom notes.
“The traditional diagnosis of PCOS was based on a combination of symptoms, including irregular periods, elevated male hormones (androgens), and ovaries that appear to have many small follicles on ultrasounds,” says board-certified OB/GYN Torri Pierce, MD, of Elite Women’s Care Center.
Furthermore, Dr. Pierce explains that many women with the condition do not have ovaries, so the new name helps patients and providers understand that it is more than a reproductive disorder, but a whole-body condition. “[PMOS] affects not only the ovaries and menstrual cycles, but also metabolism, insulin function, weight regulation, cardiovascular health, and long-term disease risk,” she says.
Dr. Bilstrom also states that PMOS does not necessarily cause all the related problems. “It is truly the ‘root causes’ of the PMOS that drive all the other problems at the same time, including increased risk of autoimmune disease and cancer,” he explains.
Why Diagnosis Matters
Another vital factor in getting an accurate diagnosis is having the right medical terminology. When patients and providers understand that the condition affects multiple areas of the body, they can better recognize symptoms and initiate appropriate treatment.
A 2017 survey of more than 1,300 women found that a third of respondents had to wait more than two years to receive their diagnosis and had cycled through at least three separate providers. Compounding the problem, The World Health Organizations (WHO) reports that globally 70% of those with the condition are unaware that they have it.
Contributing Factors Of PMOS
While the precise cause of PMOS isn’t clear, research has indicated that environmental factors and genetics may be contributing to its development. “I like to look at it as your genes are the loaded gun and the environmental factors (epigenetics) pull the trigger. Just because you have the gene does not mean you have to express the disease,” says Rhea Rogers, MD, FACOG, and cohost of Under Aging Untold.
And while Dr. Pierce states that many women with the condition have a family history of diabetes, obesity, or hormone-related disorders, it is also essential to note that “scientists also believe there are abnormalities in the communication between the brain, ovaries, and other hormone-producing organs that contribute to the condition.”
Additionally, certain demographics are disproportionately impacted. “It may be more common or more severe in populations that already have higher rates of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic disease,” says Dr. Pierce.
Although individuals who experience those conditions may have a higher risk, it can be difficult to understand what is driving the relationship, and it can become a cycle. “Many women with PMOS have insulin resistance, which can make it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it, and at the same time, excess weight can worsen insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances,” explains Dr. Pierce.
Beyond The Reproductive Years
While the condition is most often diagnosed during a woman’s reproductive years—frequently as a leading cause of infertility—its symptoms simply do not disappear with age.
Perimenopause typically is reported to begin around 45-47 years. During this time, the possibility of becoming pregnant decreases, and hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, decline. “This decline can lead to worsening symptoms,” says Dr. Rogers.
And in menopause, which typically occurs at around 52 years old—some studies have found that Black women start sooner—there is no respite. “Even though you no longer have the reproductive side, the metabolic symptoms are magnified,” Dr. Rodgers warns.
Overall Health
Although immediate symptom relief is vital in living well with PMOS, having a proper PMOS diagnosis can reduce your risk of infertility, disease, and anxieties. “Studies have shown increased rates of anxiety, depression, disordered eating, low self-esteem, and body image concerns among women with the condition,” says Dr. Pierce, noting addressing mental health is an essential part of treatment.
Because PMOS can manifest differently in patients, effective treatment should be based on your individual needs, symptoms, and personal goals. “Options may include lifestyle changes, nutritional counseling, medications to regulate periods, treatments that improve insulin resistance, weight management therapies, fertility treatments, and medications to address acne or unwanted hair growth,” says Dr. Pierce.
“The primary objective is maintaining blood sugar stability to prevent the ‘spike-and-flood’ cycle,” says Ayla Barmmer, MS, RD, LDN, founder of FullWell. In individuals with insulin resistance, consuming refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, or highly processed foods can cause rapid glucose spikes and excessive insulin release, which can drive hormonal imbalance, says Barmmer.
And while nutrition is not a cure, “it serves as a critical first-line intervention backed by robust clinical evidence,” notes Barmmer.
In fact, a study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology highlights that dietary interventions can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and androgen levels.
A diverse range of treatment options punctuates why early diagnosis and working with your healthcare provider is so critical. “Treating PMOS is not just about improving fertility—it is about protecting a woman’s overall health throughout her life,” Dr. Pierce concludes.
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