“Hopeful,” “excited” and “helpful” for the future of women’s health — these are just some of the words expressed by the team that worked together for more than a decade to change the name polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).

PMOS is a chronic condition associated with diabetes, heart disease, depression, infertility, pregnancy complications and a general decreased quality of life. It affects an estimated one in eight women worldwide, and about one in 10 Canadian women, yet the World Health Organization estimates that 70 per cent of those affected have never received a diagnosis.

Why the name has changed

The term PCOS was inaccurate, because there is no increase in abnormal ovarian cysts. Rather, the hallmark of this condition is follicles, or little fluid sacs, around partly developed eggs, which are caused when development is disrupted by a hormonal or chemical messenger disturbance.

For years, this inaccuracy contributed to the disorder being misunderstood, underrecognized, underdiagnosed and undertreated. Because PMOS is not primarily a disease of the ovaries, calling it PCOS meant all the broader features of the condition were neglected.

In a news release from Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia, , chair of the charity Verity in the United Kingdom and a member of the name change team with almost 20 years’ lived PMOS experience,........

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