A major change in women’s health terminology aims to improve understanding, diagnosis and treatment of one of the world’s most common hormonal conditions. Menstrual Health Coach Lisa de Jong explains why PCOS is now known as PMOS and what the change means for women.
What was PCOS? In May 2026, following a 14-year international review involving medical professionals and institutions from around the world, The Lancet announced that the women’s health condition PCOS would be renamed PMOS.
Previously known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), the condition is a hormonal disorder that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, skin concerns and fertility challenges. It affects more than 170 million women worldwide and can cause significant confusion and distress for women and girls living with the condition.
The review concluded that the term PCOS never accurately described the condition and had contributed to widespread misunderstanding among both healthcare professionals and patients. This lack of clarity often resulted in delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis and important gaps in knowledge.
The name Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome suggested that pathological cysts on the ovaries were the cause of the condition. In reality, ultrasound scans typically reveal small, underdeveloped follicles rather than cysts, and even these are only present in some women with the condition.
Why the Name Change to PMOS?
The new name, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), more accurately reflects the true nature of the condition. PMOS is a multisystem disorder involving the whole body, with hormonal imbalance and insulin dysfunction at its core, rather than ovarian cysts.
Insulin resistance, endocrine abnormalities, and androgen dominance are present in the majority of PMOS cases. As such, the name change and refocus on systemic endocrine health encourages the medical community and patients to think about full body hormonal health when it comes to diagnoses and treatment. For example, advocating for thorough hormonal blood tests and not just an ultrasound to check for PMOS.
The name change is good news for the world of women’s health. While the condition remains the same, the name change will support understanding, the journey to diagnoses, treatment, and the emphasis of lifestyle intervention as an important part of patient care for full body hormonal health.
Top Tips for PMOS Self-Care
If you have PMOS, or suspect you might, remember that this condition is about much more than ovarian cysts. Supporting your overall hormonal health can make a meaningful difference.
Holistic health
Focus on supporting your nervous system and overall wellbeing. Prioritise good-quality sleep, regular movement, weight-bearing exercise, and activities that help reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation or other forms of emotional and mental wellbeing support.
Balance your blood sugar
Aim to include a balance of healthy fats, protein and complex carbohydrates at every meal to support metabolic and hormonal health. Foods such as oily fish, avocado, nuts, yoghurt and eggs are all good options.
Consider nutritional support
Diet alone is not always enough to meet your nutritional needs. Adding Cleanmarine For Women to your daily routine can help support hormonal health, energy levels and skin health. Cleanmarine For Women contains key ingredients including omega-3, B vitamins*, vitamin D, rosemary extract and soy isoflavones, providing nutritional support for healthy hormonal activity throughout the month.
Get the right support
If you have PMOS, or think you may have it, speak to your GP about a comprehensive hormone panel rather than relying on an ultrasound alone. A fuller assessment can help provide a more accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
Cleanmarine For Women contains vitamin B6, which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity.