Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. However, it is also one of the most under-diagnosed and, many times, misunderstood conditions.
Now, the prestigious scientific publication, The Lancet, has announced that the term PCSO is being left behind n favor of PMOS, which stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome. This new name aims to better reflect the true complexity of the condition and improve both its diagnosis and treatment.
A much more common problem than it seems
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that PCOS affects between 10% and 13% of women of reproductive age. Despite this, approximately 70% of women who suffer from it remain undiagnosed. Part of the problem may lie precisely in its name.
For years, the term "polycystic ovary" has led people to believe that this condition is limited exclusively to the presence of cysts in the ovaries. However, the reality is very different: many woman who suffer from PCSO do not have ovarian cysts, while others may have cysts without having the syndrome.
PCSO is actually a complex hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorder that can affect multiple systems in the body.
Why change the name?
The proposal aims to update the way we understand this condition. The new term, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome (PMOS), highlights three fundamental pillars:
1. Polyendocrine
Because multiple hormone abnormalities are involved:
- Excess androgens.
- Insulin resistance.
- Alterations in the hormonal axis.
- Complex endocrine imbalances.
2. Metabolic
Because it is also associated with:
- Insulin resistance.
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Cardiovascular risk.
- Metabolic fatty liver disease.
3. Ovarian
Because it still has a significant impact on reproductive health:
- Ovulation disturbances.
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Difficulty achieving pregnancy.
- Increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
Much more than fertility
Although PCOS is often associated with difficulties in achieving pregnancy, its consequences go far beyond fertility. Many women experience symptoms that deeply affect their quality of life:
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or emotional changes
For this reason, more and more specialists advocate for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.
The new approach is not only about changing a word, but about transforming the way this condition is identified and managed. According to experts, referring to it as PMOS will help reduce under-diagnosis, prevent misunderstandings about the condition and support a more complete approach.