In May 2026, an international consensus officially renamed PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) to PMOS — Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.
While it may sound like a simple terminology update, the change is significant. The new name better reflects what healthcare professionals and patients have recognised for years: this condition affects far more than just the ovaries.
The term “PCOS” has long been criticised for being misleading. Many women diagnosed with PCOS do not actually have ovarian cysts, and the condition involves multiple hormone and metabolic systems throughout the body.
The new name breaks this down more clearly:
- Polyendocrine → multiple hormone systems are involved
- Metabolic → insulin resistance and metabolic health play a major role
- Ovarian → the ovaries are still involved, but are only one piece of the picture
- Syndrome → symptoms can vary significantly from person to person
Historically, PCOS was often viewed mainly as a fertility condition. However, PMOS can affect many aspects of health, including:
- Hormonal balance
- Metabolic health
- Mental wellbeing
- Energy levels and sleep
- Skin and hair health
- Pelvic health and quality of life
Common symptoms may include irregular periods, pelvic pain, bloating, acne, fatigue, excess hair growth, anxiety, bladder symptoms, and pain with intimacy.
As pelvic health physiotherapists, we often see how PMOS impacts the body beyond reproductive health.
Many women with PMOS experience pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, bladder urgency, constipation, hip pain, or lower back discomfort. Stress, inflammation, hormonal changes, and persistent symptoms can contribute to overactive or tense pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic health physiotherapy can help support women through:
- Pelvic floor assessment and treatment
- Pain management strategies
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Nervous system regulation
- Movement and strength programs
- Education around bladder, bowel, and sexual health
The name change to PMOS also matters because it validates many patients’ experiences. For years, women were often told:
- “You can’t have PCOS if you don’t have cysts.”
- “You just need to lose weight.”
- “It’s only a fertility issue.”
The updated terminology acknowledges that PMOS is a complex, whole-body condition requiring holistic care.
This shift is expected to improve awareness, reduce delayed diagnoses, and encourage more multidisciplinary treatment approaches involving GPs, endocrinologists, dietitians, psychologists, gynaecologists, and pelvic health physiotherapists.
Ultimately, changing the name from PCOS to PMOS is about more than medical language. It reflects a growing understanding that women’s health conditions deserve comprehensive, evidence-based, and compassionate care.
As pelvic health physiotherapists, we see firsthand how closely hormonal, metabolic, musculoskeletal, and nervous system health are connected – and how important it is that women feel heard, supported, and understood.
For more information you can call to book an appointment on 0207 870 0313 or email us info@physioonthegreen.com
Written by Caitlin Irving | Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
References
- Teede H, Khomami M, Morman R et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus processThe Lancet, 2026; 0