Hormonal Condition Renamed for Better Understanding
A hormonal condition that affects one in eight women globally has been rebranded to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, replacing its previous name, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim is to enhance the quality of care provided to those impacted.
Experts and advocates for this change argue that the former name was misleading. They believe it oversimplified a complex endocrine disorder by narrowing it down to cysts and ovaries, which often led to misdiagnoses and subpar treatment, according to the Endocrine Society, an international association of medical professionals and researchers.
“You know, the idea is that there are, well, no actual cysts in the ovaries, which is confusing,” noted Dr. Melanie Cree, a pediatric endocrinologist from the University of Colorado Anschutz and a contributor to the study published in The Lancet. “By adopting a more accurate name, we hope to foster a better understanding and, consequently, better care.”
This name change followed 14 years of collaboration among experts and patients and was announced in The Lancet on Tuesday.
From PCOS to PMOS
The condition, now referred to as PMOS, is characterized by hormonal fluctuations that can impact various aspects of health—weight, metabolic processes, mental well-being, the reproductive system, and skin conditions.
It’s linked to metabolic syndrome, which is a collection of health issues that heighten the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, as explained by Dr. Sarah Hutto from the University of Minnesota Medical School in an online article.
The precise causes of PMOS remain unclear, but there is evidence that genetics and obesity may contribute, according to information from the Cleveland Clinic.
Symptoms of PMOS
Symptoms vary widely, which can complicate the diagnostic process.
The condition is often linked to irregular menstrual cycles and elevated levels of androgens, a group of hormones that can lead to acne and abnormal hair growth or thinning. Follicles can also form on the ovaries, but these are not considered true cysts. It’s worth noting that not all these symptoms are necessary for a diagnosis.
For teens, Dr. Cree mentioned that diagnosing PMOS requires both irregular periods and signs of elevated androgens, which could manifest as high hormone levels or symptoms like severe acne or excessive body hair.
Infertility and PMOS
According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic, PMOS is the leading cause of female infertility, largely because infrequent ovulation can make conception difficult.
Moreover, having this condition may elevate the risk of specific pregnancy issues, such as gestational diabetes or preterm births, although many women with PMOS can still have successful pregnancies.
Treatment Options for PMOS
Dr. Cree emphasizes that lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of treatment—this means eating less processed food, increasing physical activity, and ensuring quality sleep.
“It’s not about being judgmental; there is real science behind this,” she explained. “In PMOS, many women produce too much insulin, which confuses the ovaries into making excessive testosterone. The high levels of testosterone are what lead to various symptoms.”
Other treatment avenues might include insulin-sensitizing drugs like Metformin, medications that mitigate androgen effects, and hormonal birth control.
However, Dr. Hutto stresses that treatment plans should be tailored to meet individual concerns and symptoms. For instance, someone trying to conceive may prioritize fertility treatments, while another person might prefer options like hormonal contraceptives.
Impacts of the Name Change
The medical community is actively discussing the rebranding at conferences and through professional organizations, hoping to raise awareness about the realities of the condition and how best to support affected individuals.
“I’m quite enthusiastic about the name change,” said Dr. Cree, “and so are many of my colleagues.”
