Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a common but difficult-to-treat condition that impacts more than 170 million women worldwide, will now be called by a different name, with doctors saying the previous name of PCOS was “misleading” and even led to delayed care. The change, announced Tuesday by The Lancet Medical Journal, says the condition will now be called “Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome,” or PMOS. “For too long, the name reduced a complex, long-term hormonal or endocrine disorder to a misunderstanding about ‘cysts’ and a focus on ovaries,” a release from the Endocrine Society, celebrating the change, said. “This contributed to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.” More than 50 global patient and professional organizations took part in the years-long process developing a new name for the condition, which is characterized by a fluctuation in hormones. According to The Lancet, the condition impacts one in eight women during their reproductive years alone, and is typically diagnosed by doctors after a patient meets at least two of three criteria, including irregular periods; high androgen levels and multiple follicles on ovaries. The condition is also one of the leading causes of infertility, with symptoms including irregular periods, weight gain, acne, hair thinning or loss or excessive body or facial hair. Health 15 hours ago CDC says Andes hantavirus spreads through very close contact: ‘Very difficult to spread' Health Wellness May 1 Is walking good exercise? Yes, if you do these 5 things, trainers say Health May 7 Doctor reveals 6 symptoms you should never dismiss as ‘normal aging' The Lancet said the term PCOS is inaccurate and “potentially harmful” as it implies the presence of pathological ovarian cysts, which are not a feature of the condition. “PCOS encompasses diverse endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, psychological, and dermatological features,” the journal said. “The current name reflects only one organ and fails to capture the disorder’s multisystem nature.” The journal also argued the name PCOS led to confusion and contributed to patient dissatisfaction with care, especially contexts where “fertility carries high value.” “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,” said Australia-based professor and endocrinologist Helena Teede, who helped to lead the study. “It was heartbreaking to see the delayed diagnosis, limited awareness and inadequate care afforded those affected by this neglected condition.” According to The Lancet, the new name of PMOS frames the condition as related to complex endocrine abnormalities rather than as an “isolated ovarian disorder.” The shift, doctors say, will lead to better patient care, enhanced diagnosis and greater understanding of the “common yet historically neglected” condition. “This change was driven with and for those affected by the condition and we are proud to have arrived at a new name that finally accurately reflects the complexity of the condition,” Teede said. “Make no mistake, this is a landmark moment that will lead to desperately needed worldwide advancements in clinical practice and research.” ...read more read less