Experts are calling for a common women’s health condition, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), to be renamed, arguing that the current title contributes to delayed diagnoses.
The condition, which affects around one in eight women, is often misunderstood due to its name’s overemphasis on ovarian cysts and the ovaries, they say.
PCOS is a complex, long-term hormonal or endocrine disorder, impacting weight, skin, metabolic and mental health, and the reproductive system.
A new consensus statement in The Lancet proposes the new name polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
NHS officials have confirmed the recommendation will be “carefully considered”.
The proposed name change comes after engagement with academics, patient and clinical groups as well as global surveys of thousands of patients with the condition.
The current term implies “pathological ovarian cysts, obscuring diverse endocrine and metabolic features, and contributing to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, and stigma, while curtailing research and policy framing”, the statement said.
The new name, meanwhile, reflects the condition’s “multi-system pathophysiology”.
“Accuracy was improved by omitting cysts and by capturing endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian dysfunction.”
Professor Helena Teede, director of the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation and an endocrinologist at Monash Health, said: “What we now know is that there is actually no increase in abnormal cysts on the ovary and the diverse features of the condition were often unappreciated.
“It was heart-breaking to see the delayed diagnosis, limited awareness and inadequate care afforded those affected by this neglected condition.
“A name change was the next critical step towards recognition and improvement in the long term impacts of this condition.
“This is a landmark moment that will lead to desperately-needed worldwide advancements in clinical practice and research.”
Rachel Morman, chair of Verity (PCOS UK), added: “It is fantastic that the new name now leads with hormones and recognises the metabolic dimension of the condition.
“This shift will reframe the conversation and demand that it is taken as seriously as the long-term, complex health condition it is.
“Despite decades of tireless advocacy to improve awareness, we recognised that the risk of change would be worth the reward.”
An NHS England spokesperson said: “We routinely review and update content on the NHS website to ensure it reflects the latest clinical advice and will carefully consider these recommendations.
“The NHS will also continue our work to improve women’s healthcare, including for this important group, which involves giving women more choice over their care, bringing down waiting times, and delivering more care in communities.”
