PCOS Is Now PMOS: Why the Name Changed and What It Means for Women

In this episode of It's Not You, It's PMOS, Lora and Nick unpack one of the biggest changes in women's health in decades: the transition from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). For years, the name PCOS has caused confusion, anxiety, and misunderstanding. Many women were told they had "cysts on their ovaries" when, in reality, the condition is far more complex and affects much more than reproductive health. Join us as we explore: • Why international experts agreed the name PCOS no longer reflected the condition accurately • The science behind the new term PMOS and what each word means • Why many women with the condition never actually had ovarian cysts • The role of insulin resistance, hormones, and metabolic health in PMOS • How the condition affects women throughout their entire lifespan—not just during their reproductive years • The increased risks for heart disease, diabetes, and other long-term health concerns • How changing the name may help reduce stigma and improve understanding of women's health We also discuss the global collaboration that led to the name change, involving thousands of women with lived experience, researchers, clinicians, and advocacy groups worldwide. Whether you've recently been diagnosed, have lived with PCOS for years, or support someone with the condition, this episode will help you understand why this change matters and what it means for the future of diagnosis, treatment, and awareness. Key Takeaway: You probably never had ovarian cysts—and that's exactly why the name needed to change. Subscribe, share, and join us as we continue to challenge outdated narratives and empower women with evidence-based information about PMOS. Follow Lora: @itsnotyouitspmos Podcast: It's Not You, It's PMOS   Links: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/polcystic-ovary-syndrome