The condition long known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. It may be harder to say, but the new name better describes a condition that affects hormones, periods, blood sugar, and more. Also, the somewhat misleading word “cyst” is no longer part of the name.
Published in The Lancet medical journal in May 2026, the name change came in response to a 14-year global effort involving medical experts and women living with the condition. PMOS is complex, but managing it starts with recognizing the symptoms, getting evaluated, receiving a diagnosis, and tailoring treatment based on your specific health goals.
Sukhkamal Campbell, M.D., is a reproductive endocrinologist at UAB Medicine who treats hormonal conditions affecting periods, ovulation, and fertility. Below, she explains a few important points that she wants women to know about PMOS, starting with a breakdown of the new name:
- Polyendocrine means that multiple hormone systems are affected, including those that help control ovulation, periods, and blood sugar.
- Metabolic refers to chemical reactions in the body that help sustain life, including those related to processing insulin, managing blood sugar, and making energy.
- Ovarian refers to the fact that it can affect egg development, ovulation, and menstrual cycles.
“With PMOS, the hormones released by the brain that stimulate eggs to grow are out of balance,” Dr. Campbell said. Increased levels of androgen hormones such as testosterone may disrupt ovulation and cause symptoms like irregular periods, excess facial hair growth, and acne.
Many people with PMOS also develop insulin resistance. The body may compensate by producing more insulin, which can lead the ovaries to make more androgen hormones. Over time, insulin resistance can lead to weight gain, difficulty losing weight, and type 2 diabetes.
More than an ovarian issue
“It’s a very comprehensive condition, and it can affect multiple systems in your body,” Dr. Campbell said. “As a result, the symptoms can vary from person to person, and many of them have a significant effect on quality of life.”
Irregular periods are the most common symptom. Others include persistent acne, coarse facial or body hair, thinning scalp hair, issues with gaining or losing weight, and mental health symptoms such as depression. Those with PMOS may first seek medical help after developing prediabetes or seeing persistent hair growth, while others look for answers after having trouble becoming pregnant.
How PMOS is diagnosed
Doctors first rule out conditions that cause similar symptoms. A PMOS diagnosis generally requires at least two of the following three findings:
- Irregular or absent periods caused by inconsistent ovulation
- Signs of high androgen hormones, such as excess hair growth or acne or elevated levels in bloodwork
- A specific pattern of follicles (fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries) identified during an ultrasound
It doesn’t go away
Symptoms may change with menopause, but PMOS does not necessarily disappear. In fact, some symptoms can become worse.
“It’s not really a condition that goes away,” Dr. Campbell said. “It’s something that we manage lifelong. For example, insulin resistance raises the risk of diabetes. And going long stretches without a period can allow the uterine lining to build up, increasing the risk of uterine cancer over time.”
How it’s treated
Treatment for PMOS is not a one-size-fits-all. Care begins by addressing concerns such as insulin resistance, diabetes, or lack of regular periods. From there, treatment can focus on symptoms affecting patients’ lives and plans for pregnancy, if they wish to have children.
There are several effective medications that may be prescribed, including:
- Hormonal birth control or progestin may regulate periods and protect the uterus from uterine cancer.
- Metformin may help manage insulin resistance and blood sugar.
- Other medications can address acne or unwanted hair growth. Fertility medication may help restore ovulation. Sustainable eating habits, activity and sleep can also support metabolic health.
“We can really help with optimizing your overall health and also improving quality of life,” Dr. Campbell said.
A primary care provider or OB/GYN can begin the evaluation and create a care plan based on the patient’s symptoms, health, and goals. Because PMOS affects several body systems, care may involve a team of providers, including an endocrinologist, fertility specialist, and registered dietitian.
Learn more about PMOS care at UAB Medicine.