WHAT IS PCOS, PCOD and PMOS?

What Is PCOD and PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrom (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovarian disease (PCOD) are among the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not same conditions.

Not every irregular periods means PCOS/PCOD. PCOS AND PCOD are not same situations.

Introduction:

What is hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalances can affect a woman’s mood, energy levels, metabolism and reproductive health. Hormonal imbalance occurs when hormone levels become too high or too low for the body’s needs.

For example:

I know you’ll not understand the terms in the picture.

A woman with normal estrogen levels usually has strong, healthy bones and a weight that matches her height and BMI. Her mood stays stable and sugar cravings are low. But a woman with imbalanced estrogen often faces 3 common issues:

1. Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
2. Mood swings and irritability
3. Frequent sugar cravings

This image shows that periods may still occur every month. But having a period doesn’t always mean your hormones are balanced. Tracking your cycle + symptoms helps you understand if your estrogen, insulin, and other hormones are in sync.

Difference between PCOS AND PCOD

Here is the difference between PCOS AND PCOD

1. PCOD – Polycystic Ovarian Disease

PCOD happens when hormone imbalance affects only the ovaries, or just one ovary. It’s considered an ovarian disease. In PCOD, ovulation may be irregular but other body systems like metabolism and digestion usually work normally.

2.      PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

PCOS happens when hormonal imbalance affects both ovaries + disturbs whole-body metabolic activities. This includes insulin resistance, digestive issues, and non-reproductive hormones like thyroid and cortisol.

Because PCOS impacts multiple systems, “syndrome” is used – meaning a collection of related symptoms, not just an ovary problem.

WHAT IS PCOS?

Ignoring hormone imbalance can turn a manageable condition into a long-term health problem. Here’s how it progresses:

Stage 1: Untreated PCOD

If a woman ignores hormonal imbalance, she may still get her menstrual cycle every month. But she won’t know: If she’s ovulating properly. Why she has mood swings? Why she gets weird food cravings and sugar cravings

Over time, this can lead to pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance.

Stage 2: Progression to PCOS

If left untreated for years, PCOD can progress to PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. PCOS affects the whole body, not just ovaries. Common PCOS symptoms due to untreated hormone imbalance:

1. Rapid weight gain + fat around belly and double chin.
2. Acne breakouts on face, chest, back.
3. Irregular heartbeat or palpitations during exercise.
4. Low libido and reduced sexual desire.
5. High insulin resistance and blood sugar issues.
6. Irregular periods – periods missed for 2-3 months or very irregular cycles

Why Is PCOS Being Called PMOS?

What Is PMOS?

PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. In May 2026, an international panel of experts proposed replacing the term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with PMOS. The change was announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague and published in The Lancet.

The new name aims to better reflect the fact that the condition affects much more than just the ovaries. It involves multiple hormone systems, metabolism, and overall health.

What Does PMOS Mean?

1. Polyendocrine: Multiple Hormone Systems Are Affected

The term Polyendocrine means that several hormone-producing systems in the body are involved. PMOS does not affect only reproductive hormones. It can also influence:

• Insulin regulation
• Thyroid function
• Stress hormones
• Androgen (male hormone) levels
• Metabolic health

This explains why women with PMOS may experience symptoms that go beyond irregular periods, including weight gain, fatigue, acne, and mood changes

2.  Metabolic: A Condition That Affects Metabolism

The word Metabolic highlights the strong connection between PMOS and metabolic health. Many women with PMOS have insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of:

• Weight gain
• Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease

This metabolic component is one of the main reasons experts felt the old term “PCOS” did not fully describe the condition.

 

1.  Ovarian: The Ovaries Still Play an Important Role

Although PMOS affects the whole body, the ovaries remain an important part of the condition. Common ovarian-related features include:

• Irregular ovulation
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Multiple small follicles visible on ultrasound
• Fertility challenges

However, experts emphasize that the ovaries are only one part of a much larger hormonal and metabolic disorder.

2.  Syndrome: A Group of Related Symptoms

The term Syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms and health changes that commonly occur together. Not every woman with PMOS experiences the same symptoms. Some may struggle with weight management and insulin resistance, while others may primarily experience irregular periods, acne, excess facial hair, or fertility issues.
This variation is why PMOS is classified as a syndrome rather than a single disease.

Why Was the Name Changed?

The term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has long been criticized because it focuses mainly on the ovaries and the presence of cyst-like follicles. However, research has shown that the condition involves:

• Multiple hormone systems
• Metabolic dysfunction
• Insulin resistance
• Reproductive health challenges

The proposed term Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) provides a more accurate description of the condition and its effects on the entire body.

Who Renamed PCOS to PMOS?

The proposal to rename Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) was led by Professor Helena Teede, Director of Monash University’s Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation and endocrinologist at Monash Health, Australia.
However, the change was not the work of a single expert. It was the result of a 14-year international consensus process involving healthcare professionals, researchers, patient advocates, and women living with the condition.

Global Collaboration Behind the Name Change

The PMOS terminology was developed with input from:

• 56 medical societies, research organizations, and patient advocacy groups
• More than 22,000 stakeholders worldwide
• Experts from 6 continents
• Leading organizations including the Endocrine Society, ASRM, ESHRE, and over 50 professional and patient organizations

This collaborative effort aimed to create a name that more accurately reflects the complexity of the condition.

Why Was PCOS Changed to PMOS?

The term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been criticized for years because it does not accurately describe the full nature of the condition.

1.  The Word “Cysts” Is Misleading

The “cysts” commonly seen on ultrasound are not true cysts.

They are actually immature follicles (undeveloped eggs) that have not completed normal ovulation. In addition:

• Many women diagnosed with PMOS do not have these
• The term created unnecessary fear and
• It contributed to delayed diagnosis and

2.  The Old Name Focused Too Much on the Ovaries

PCOS sounds like a condition that affects only the reproductive system. In reality, PMOS is a whole-body condition that can affect:

• Hormonal balance
• Insulin regulation
• Metabolism
• Fertility
• Mental wellbeing

The new name acknowledges that the condition extends far beyond the ovaries.

 

2.  The Old Name Focused Too Much on the Ovaries

PCOS sounds like a condition that affects only the reproductive system. In reality, PMOS is a whole-body condition that can affect:

• Hormonal balance
• Insulin regulation
• Metabolism
• Fertility
• Mental wellbeing

The new name acknowledges that the condition extends far beyond the ovaries.

5 Evidence-Based Tips to Manage PMOS

While there is no single cure for PMOS, healthy lifestyle habits can help improve symptoms and support long-term health.

1.  Move Your Body Daily

Aim for regular physical activity such as walking, strength training, cycling, or yoga.

2.  Choose Balanced, Low-GI Meals

Focus on fiber-rich carbohydrates, quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables to support blood sugar control.

3.  Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management

Poor sleep and chronic stress can worsen hormonal and metabolic symptoms.

4.  Track Your Cycle and Symptoms

Monitoring your menstrual cycle, energy levels, and symptoms can help you identify patterns and discuss concerns with your healthcare provider.

5.  Schedule Regular Health Checkups

Routine monitoring can help detect insulin resistance, cholesterol issues, and other health concerns early.

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Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified gynecologist, endocrinologist, or healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medical guidance.

Reviewed By

Muhammad Asad Ijaz
Founder, The Aura Diet

Written By

Jawairia Naeem
Biochemist & Dietitian

 

Reference:

1. https://femexcel.com/blog/
2. https://www.medboundtimes.com/medicine/pcos-name-change-to-pmos-by-lancet
3. https://www.nyp.org/healthmatters/pcos-is-now-polyendocrine-metabolic-ovarian-syndrome-pmos-why-the-change
4. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/publications/health-matters/pcos-is-now-pmos-why-this-name-change-matters