Short answer: In May 2026, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was officially renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The new name drops the misleading word “cysts” and reflects that the condition involves several hormones and your metabolism, not just your ovaries. For unwanted hair, nothing changes in practice: the cause, the diagnosis and the treatments stay the same. You will see both names for a few years while doctors, guidelines and medical records switch over.
If you were diagnosed with PCOS, you may have noticed the term PMOS showing up in news stories, at your doctor’s office or on this site. Here is what changed, why, and what it means if excess facial or body hair is one of your symptoms.
What changed, and when
The new name was published in The Lancet on May 12, 2026.[1] It came out of a global consensus process led by Monash University, with the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society and the patient organization Verity among the supporters.[2]
- More than 14,000 survey responses from patients and health professionals were collected across world regions.[2]
- 86% of patients and 71% of health professionals supported a new name that describes the condition more accurately.[2]
- A three-year transition is planned. The international guideline, used in 195 countries, is expected to adopt the new name in 2028.[2], [3]
- The condition affects more than 170 million women worldwide.[2]
What the new name means
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Polyendocrine | Several hormone systems are involved, including androgens (such as testosterone) and insulin |
| Metabolic | Higher risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and heart disease |
| Ovarian | The ovaries are still involved: ovulation is often irregular, and follicles may show on ultrasound, though not in everyone |
| Syndrome | A group of symptoms that affects physical and mental health |
These descriptions come from the Victorian government’s health information on PMOS.[4]
Why PCOS was renamed
The old name caused real confusion. “Polycystic” suggests the ovaries are full of cysts, but the small follicles seen on ultrasound are not cysts, and harmful ovarian cysts are not more common in the condition.[3] At the same time, the old name said nothing about the hormonal and metabolic sides, even though insulin resistance affects up to 85% of women with the condition.[3]
The renaming team’s aim was clearer diagnosis, less stigma, more consistent research and treatment that better matches the underlying biology.[2] Up to 70% of women with the condition may be undiagnosed, and a name that points to the wrong organ does not help.[3]
What the new name means for unwanted hair
The new name is a better fit for hirsutism than the old one. Excess hair in PMOS comes from androgens, the “polyendocrine” part, and is made worse by insulin resistance, the “metabolic” part. High insulin increases androgen production and lowers SHBG, the protein that normally keeps testosterone in check.[5]
What has not changed:
- Diagnosis. Doctors still diagnose the condition when at least two of three signs are present: high androgens (which includes hirsutism), irregular ovulation, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound or a high AMH level.[3], [5]
- Treatment. The pill remains the first-line treatment for hirsutism, with an anti-androgen added if needed, plus laser or electrolysis for existing hair.[5] Read PMOS facial hair: what helps and PMOS hair removal.
- The link with hirsutism. About 70-80% of women who see a doctor for hirsutism have the condition, whatever it is called.[6]
What you should do
You do not need to do anything. Your diagnosis is still valid, and your treatment does not change. A few practical points:
- Expect both names. Your records, prescriptions and insurance paperwork may say PCOS for years. Many doctors will use “PMOS (formerly PCOS)” during the transition.
- Use both terms when you search. Most research and support communities still use PCOS, so searching both gives you the full picture.
- Ask about the metabolic side. If your doctor has only ever talked about your periods or your hair, the new name is a good reason to ask about insulin resistance, blood sugar and heart health checks.[3]
- Not diagnosed yet? If you have unwanted hair and irregular periods, start with our hirsutism self-check, then use the which doctor should I see tool.
Frequently asked questions
What does PMOS stand for?
PMOS stands for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. It is the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), agreed in 2026.[1]
Is PMOS a different condition from PCOS?
No. It is the same condition with a new name. Women diagnosed with PCOS now have PMOS.[1], [3]
Do I need a new diagnosis?
No. The diagnostic criteria have not changed, so an existing PCOS diagnosis still applies.[3]
When will everyone use the new name?
The renaming plan allows three years for guidelines, medical records, education and coding systems to switch. The international guideline is expected to use PMOS from 2028.[2]
Does PMOS still cause hirsutism?
Yes. Excess facial and body hair is one of the most common signs of PMOS, just as it was of PCOS.[4], [6]
Key takeaways
- PCOS was renamed PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) in May 2026.
- The new name drops the misleading “cysts” and highlights the hormonal and metabolic sides.
- Diagnosis and treatment stay the same, including for hirsutism.
- Expect both names during a three-year transition.
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Sources
- Teede HJ, Bahri Khomami M, Morman R, et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;407(10545):2329-2339. Published online May 12, 2026. PubMed 42119588
- AJMC. PCOS Renamed PMOS in Landmark Shift Reflecting Metabolic and Endocrine Features. May 13, 2026. Link
- White L. PCOS Gets a New Name: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). AFP Community Blog, American Academy of Family Physicians. June 1, 2026. Link
- Better Health Channel (Victoria State Government). Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Accessed October 2026. Link
- 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. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(10):2447-2469. PubMed 37580314
- Escobar-Morreale HF, Carmina E, Dewailly D, et al. Epidemiology, diagnosis and management of hirsutism: a consensus statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society. Hum Reprod Update. 2012;18(2):146-170. PubMed 22064667