PMOS: what the new name for PCOS means for North West clinics

Following an international consensus process, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). The new name reflects what clinicians have long recognised: this is a multisystem endocrine and metabolic condition, not a disorder defined by ovarian cysts.

For patients, the change is intended to reduce confusion and stigma, and to better signal the cardiometabolic dimensions of the condition. For clinical teams, the diagnostic criteria are unchanged — the update is to naming and, over time, to coding.

What changes in practice

• Patient-facing materials should introduce PMOS with PCOS in parentheses during the transition period.
• Clinic letters may use “PMOS (formerly PCOS)” until local systems are updated.
• SNOMED and ICD coding updates will follow national timelines — no local action needed yet.
• Management pathways are unaffected; existing guidance remains current.

“Names shape conversations. PMOS helps us start in the right place — with metabolism and hormones, not just imaging findings.”

Support from the Society

The Clinical Committee is preparing a one-page explainer for clinics and a patient information sheet, both of which will be available in the Clinical Resource Hub. A members' webinar covering the evidence behind the change is planned for the autumn programme.