James Hawley
Principal Clinical Biochemist
September 2026
From October 1st 2026, the MFT Biochemistry department will be updating its female androgen report to align with the recent renaming of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
Polycystic ovary syndrome affects more than 170 million women worldwide. However, the term PCOS has long been recognised to be inaccurate as there is an implication that pathological cystic ovaries are a hallmark of the condition. This has contributed to misunderstanding, missed diagnoses and inadequate clinical care. In addition, the name PCOS has failed to recognise the wide-ranging endocrine and metabolic complications associated with the condition.
To help address the deficiencies of the current terminology, a global initiative involving multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, patient organisations, and females with lived experience have engaged in a series of international surveys and workshops. The process signifies the largest global engagement in a name change process and has taken 14-years to complete.
The result of this collaboration has been the renaming of PCOS to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) [1]. The new name aims to raise awareness and improve the diagnosis and care of patients affected by this condition.
Importantly, the diagnostic criteria will not be changing from that outlined in the 2023 International Guideline [2]. In adult patients, following the exclusion of other endocrinopathies, a diagnosis of PMOS can be made if at least two of the following conditions are met: 1. oligo-anovulation, 2. clinical or biochemical features of hyperandrogenism, and 3. polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Adolescents (aged 10-19) require only the presence of the first two criteria.
The full article concerning the renaming process can be found in The Lancet.
If you have any questions related to this article, please contact me via email on: james.hawley@mft.nhs.uk
References
[1] Teede HJ, Khomami MB, Morman R et al. Polyendocrine ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;407:2329-2339 doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8.
[2] Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE et al. Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol. 2023; 189:G43-G64.