Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately one in eight women globally and is increasingly recognised as a complex endocrine and metabolic condition. However, the name is widely acknowledged as inaccurate and misleading, overemphasising ovarian morphology while failing to reflect the condition’s multisystem nature. This contributes to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, stigma, and suboptimal patient understanding and engagement. A global mandate has emerged from patients and health professionals to establish a more accurate and appropriate name.
Methods
We conducted a rigorous, multistep international consensus process. Iterative global surveys were undertaken involving patients and multidisciplinary health professionals across all world regions, followed by consensus workshops applying modified Delphi and nominal group techniques. Surveys and workshops were co-designed to identify key principles, preferred approaches, and acceptable terminology. Implementation considerations were integrated throughout the process, including feasibility, communication, and cultural appropriateness.
Results
Over 14,000 participants contributed across survey rounds, with broad representation across regions and disciplines. Strong consensus emerged that the current name is inaccurate and contributes to confusion, stigma, and barriers to care. Participants prioritised principles including scientific and medical accuracy, clarity, ease of pronunciation, avoidance of stigma, and cultural appropriateness. A clear preference was identified for an updated, evidence-informed name reflecting the endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian features of the condition, rather than retaining the existing acronym or adopting a generic term. Consensus workshops refined terminology and polycystic ovary syndrome was renamed to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). A coordinated global implementation strategy is underway.
Conclusion
This unprecedented global initiative delivered international consensus to rename PCOS based on scientific accuracy and stakeholder priorities. The process highlights the importance of inclusive, iterative engagement in disease nomenclature reform and establishes a foundation for coordinated global implementation. The final agreed terminology and implementation strategy will be discussed, in addition to the clinical implications of the new name for endocrinologists.