What is PMOS and how is it different from PCOS?

PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is the new name for PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). The condition is the same, a complex hormonal disorder affecting around 1 in 8 women globally, but the new name better reflects its metabolic and endocrine dimensions. The transition is being phased in over three years, with full adoption expected by 2028.

Why did PCOS change its name to PMOS?

The name change was led by Australian researchers at Monash University (https://www.monash.edu/) following 14 years of research involving global experts and over 22,000 people with lived experience. The original name focused on ovarian cysts (which not everyone has) and failed to capture the significant metabolic component. PMOS better reflects the full clinical picture.

Do I need to have ovarian cysts to be diagnosed with PMOS?

No. This is one of the most important things to understand about PMOS (https://www.genea.com.au/pages/pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-MCWJDAF4MBVVAPLPZ22Y3GBHC54A). You do not need cysts on your ovaries to receive a diagnosis. The condition is diagnosed using the Rotterdam Criteria, which requires two of three features: irregular ovulation, elevated androgens, or a characteristic ovarian appearance on ultrasound. Many people are diagnosed based on the first two without any cysts present.

What are the symptoms of PMOS?

PMOS symptoms vary widely. Common symptoms include irregular or absent periods, difficulty conceiving, acne, excess facial or body hair, thinning scalp hair, weight gain around the abdomen, fatigue, and insulin resistance. Not everyone experiences all symptoms, which is why PMOS is often underdiagnosed.

Can you get pregnant if you have PMOS?

Yes, absolutely. PMOS is a common cause of ovulatory infertility, but most women with the condition respond well to fertility treatment. Options include ovulation induction, IUI, and IVF. Early assessment by a fertility specialist gives you the most options and the best chance of success: https://www.genea.com.au/pages/success-rates-MCHRO6PVH3QNEJZKBQPOTGEWCLNE.

How is PMOS treated in Australia?

Treatment is highly individualised. It typically includes lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise to improve insulin sensitivity), medical management (such as the oral contraceptive pill, metformin, or anti-androgens), and fertility treatment where required. A good specialist will also screen for and manage the metabolic aspects alongside the reproductive ones.

When will doctors start using the name PMOS in Australia?

A three-year transition period is underway. Full adoption of PMOS is expected by 2028. In the meantime, both PCOS and PMOS refer to the same condition, and your existing diagnosis and treatment remain unchanged.

Does the name change affect my diagnosis or treatment?

No. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, you still have the same condition, it is simply being renamed to better reflect what it is. This is a positive development that should lead to better awareness, more comprehensive care, and reduced stigma over time.

Genea Fertility Australia

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Key takeaways PMOS to PCOS FAQs Author

Key takeaways

PCOS is being renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) after 14 years of global research
You do not need ovarian cysts to be diagnosed, the old name was misleading for millions of patients
PMOS better reflects the significant metabolic and endocrine dimensions of the condition, not just the ovarian ones
Up to 50% of people with PMOS are prediabetic or diabetic before age 40, metabolic health is central to care
PMOS is one of the most common causes of ovulatory infertility, but most patients respond well to fertility treatment
The three-year transition to the new name begins now, with full adoption expected by 2028

If you have polycystic ovarian syndrome, or have been researching it, you may have seen some big news recently. After 14 years of research involving global experts and more than 22,000 people with lived experience, PCOS is getting a new name: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, or PMOS.1

This is more than a rebrand. It reflects a fundamental shift in how the medical community understands this condition, one that affects around 1 in 8 women globally, approximately 170 million people worldwide.2 As a fertility specialist who works with PMOS patients every day, I believe this change matters, and I want to help you understand what it means for your health and your care.

'PCOS has always been misleading because it focuses too much on the ovaries, and it implies that there is something potentially dangerously wrong with them. In fact PCOS ovaries typically have more eggs than non-PCOS ovaries, and from a fertility perspective there is a wide range of very effective treatment options.'

-A/Prof Gavin Sacks

1. Why is PCOS changing its name?

The research behind this name change, led by Professor Helena Teede at Monash University, found that the original name, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, was misleading in two important ways.

First, not everyone with this condition has cysts on their ovaries. In fact, you do not need to have ovarian cysts at all to be diagnosed with PCOS. The term 'polycystic' created decades of confusion, leading many women to be misdiagnosed or dismissed when an ultrasound did not show the cysts they expected.

Second, the original name failed to capture the metabolic and endocrine dimensions of the condition. These are not side effects, they are central to what PCOS actually is.

The new name addresses both issues:

Polyendocrine replaces Polycystic, recognising this is a condition of multiple hormonal systems, not just the ovaries
Metabolic has been added to acknowledge the significant metabolic health risks
Ovarian remains, because high insulin levels signal the ovaries to produce excess testosterone, the metabolic and ovarian components are deeply connected

2. What Is PMOS (Formerly PCOS)?

PMOS is a complex hormonal condition affecting around 1 in 8 women globally. It impacts the reproductive system, metabolism, mental health, and skin — and the metabolic component is far more significant than the old name suggested:

Up to 50% of people with PMOS are prediabetic or diabetic before age 40
PMOS increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and fatty liver disease
Insulin resistance is frequently a root driver of symptoms, including the ovarian ones
Higher rates of anxiety and depression are associated with PMOS
The new name brings all of this into view, rather than focusing solely on the ovaries.

3. Symptoms of PMOS / PCOS

PMOS presents differently in every person, which is part of why it has historically been underdiagnosed. Key symptoms include:

Reproductive: irregular or absent periods, difficulty conceiving
Androgen-related: acne, excess facial or body hair, thinning scalp hair
Metabolic: weight gain around the abdomen, fatigue, insulin resistance

For a full symptom breakdown, visit our PCOS page.

Doctor supports patient with fertility planning

Moving forward with confidence

The transition from PCOS to PMOS will not happen overnight. A three-year period has been built in for clinicians, researchers, and health systems to adopt the new name, with full implementation expected by 2028. For now, both names refer to the same condition, your existing diagnosis and treatment remain completely valid.

What this change does signal, immediately, is a shift in how the medical community approaches the condition. A name that acknowledges the metabolic and endocrine dimensions should lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis, broader metabolic screening as standard care, reduced stigma, and greater research investment.

At Genea, our approach to PMOS has always reflected this broader understanding. We assess metabolic health alongside reproductive health, personalise treatment to your specific presentation, and work with you on the lifestyle factors that can make a real difference to your symptoms and fertility outcomes.

Disclaimer: Please note that this is a Genea Group blog and as such information may not be relevant for all clinics. We advise that you consult clinics directly for further information.

FAQs

About the authors

Assoc Prof Gavin Sacks

Group Medical Director and Fertility Specialist MA DPhil FRCOG FRANZCOG CCSST

A/Prof Gavin Sacks, Genea's Group Medical Director, fertility specialist with 20+ years experience and PhD in reproductive immunology, leads clinical excellence

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References

Monash University. PCOS renamed PMOS: landmark name change after 14 years of global research. May 2025. [Press release]
Teede HJ, et al. Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023. Link: https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgad463
Jean Hailes for Women's Health. PCOS clinical guideline, 2023. Link: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos

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PCOS has a new name: What the rename to PMOS means for you

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Key takeaways

1. Why is PCOS changing its name?

2. What Is PMOS (Formerly PCOS)?

3. Symptoms of PMOS / PCOS

Moving forward with confidence