PCOS is now called PMOS: Will it help women?
What's the story
Most girls and women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), at least in India, have been told to pop hormonal pills and lose weight to tackle the syndrome. One would be disheartened to know that scientists don't know what exactly causes it, even though it affects millions of women worldwide. Recently, the syndrome was renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) by global endocrine and reproductive health experts and published in The Lancet. But will the name change actually help women?
Name significance
Why the change?
Well, the hope is exactly that. The new name, PMOS, was introduced to reflect the complex and multisystem nature of the condition. The term "PCOS" was considered misleading, as many women with the disorder do not have ovarian cysts. Instead, it involves abnormalities in the endocrine system, metabolism, and ovarian function. The Endocrine Society hopes this change will improve diagnosis and reduce stigma associated with the condition. Ideally, now, doctors and professionals will go deeper than focusing on fertility.
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Breaking down the new term
While Polyendocrine refers to multiple hormone systems, Metabolic is linked with insulin resistance, excessive weight gain, and diabetes risk. The Ovarian term reminds one of its impact on ovulation, menstruation, and fertility, while Syndrome represents the fact that it is a group of related symptoms. The condition can increase the chances of high cholesterol and is associated with an elevated risk of endometrial cancer.
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In reality, no actual cysts are present
The "polycystic" bit of the old name led many to believe there were many cysts in an affected woman's body. However, that's not true. The "follicles" seen on an ultrasound aren't even cysts, but eggs that couldn't fully mature within the ovaries due to the syndrome's effects. It became pertinent to focus on the entire endocrine system, without limiting the gaze to the ovaries.
Global impact
Global and Indian prevalence of PMOS
PMOS is a hormonal and metabolic disorder that affects nearly one in eight women globally. It's characterized by irregular periods, excess androgen hormones, weight gain, insulin resistance, and fertility challenges. The condition also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, depression, and anxiety. In India, millions suffer from PMOS, with rising cases among adolescents and young urban women. Many face painful periods, blood clotting, and can develop similar disorders like Endometriosis.
Rising prevalence
Rising cases and risk factors
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-supported study on PMOS noted a sharp rise in cases across the country. Prevalence rates vary from 3.7% to over 22%, depending on geography and diagnostic criteria. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, processed-food consumption, obesity, poor sleep, stress, and genetic predisposition have been linked to this increase. Genetics can also play a factor.
Treatment implications
What does this mean for patients?
The name change from PCOS to PMOS could improve diagnosis by shifting focus beyond fertility concerns. Experts hope clearer terminology will help doctors understand that the condition is not limited to the ovaries. Now, patients will have to meet two out of three criteria: excess male hormones called androgens, irregular menstrual cycles, and ovaries with many arrested follicles seen on ultrasound, or high levels of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) in blood.