Home / Health / PCOS Renamed: A New Dawn for Women's Health?
PCOS Renamed: A New Dawn for Women's Health?
21 Oct
Summary
- PCOS is now PMOS, aiming for better understanding and care.
- Annual health checks are recommended for improved diagnosis.
- Women share struggles with delayed diagnosis and fragmented care.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) earlier this year, a move supported by individuals who have navigated the condition. This rebranding seeks to improve understanding and long-term care for the millions affected.
Neelam Heera-Shergill, diagnosed at 18, experienced fear and uncertainty, leading her to establish the charity Cysters in Birmingham. She advocates for the name change, believing it could encourage more open conversations, though acknowledging the new name may also face misunderstandings.
Rochelle Lewis from Wolverhampton, who struggled with symptoms like facial hair growth and anxiety, faced dismissive medical responses for years before a diagnosis in 2025. She emphasizes the emotional toll of not being heard and the critical need for established support processes post-diagnosis.
In July 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) proposed draft guidance for the NHS, recommending annual reviews for PMOS patients. These reviews would monitor symptoms, treatment efficacy, and long-term health risks, including cardiometabolic aspects, aiming for a holistic approach.
Experts like Dr. Rima Smith highlight that PMOS is a multi-organ, lifelong condition, not solely an ovarian issue, underscoring the importance of comprehensive, integrated care. Both Neelam and Rochelle see annual check-ups as a positive step, provided they address the broader health implications of PMOS.
