Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process
Study context
- Population
- People with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and multidisciplinary health professionals from all world regions; 56 academic, clinical and patient organisations engaged
- Participants
- 14,360 survey responses
- Outcome
- Consensus new name for PCOS
Methodological detailsmultistep, iterative global surveys, modified Delphi methods, nominal group technique workshops, marketing and implementation analyses, Co-designed global implementation strategy (transition period, education, alignment with health systems and disease classification) under way
- Multistep
- Iterative global surveys
- Modified Delphi methods
- Nominal group technique workshops
- Marketing and implementation analyses
- Co-designed global implementation strategy (transition period, education, alignment with health systems and disease classification) under way
Recommendations
As reported in the abstract
New name
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) was the consensus new name
- Preferred terms: polyendocrine, metabolic and ovarian, reflecting multisystem pathophysiology
- Accurate new name prioritised over retaining the PCOS acronym or a generic name
- Implementation approaches prioritised evolution rather than transformation
Further findings
Principles for the name
- Principles prioritised scientific accuracy, clarity, stigma avoidance, cultural appropriateness and implementation feasibility
- Accuracy improved by omitting cysts and capturing endocrine, metabolic and ovarian dysfunction
Original publication
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. Published 12 May 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →