PCOS to PMOS: Syndrome Name Change

*this image was generated with AI.

I got married a couple of weeks ago…which is why there was a gap in posting and writing blogs. I mean, can you believe my mind was somewhere else other than on writing a blog post during this time?! I know. How ridiculous of me. One cool thing that happened recently though, is that scientists are changing the name of PCOS to PMOS. And to me this is a good thing.

PCOS is the acronym for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PMOS is the acronym for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.

They both are a mouthful and still are considered a syndrome, meaning, a root cause can be difficult to understand or know what is causing the symptoms. One good thing though is that the new name is more inclusive of all the symptoms and is naming what scientists have found to be significant factors that contribute to the nasty symptoms - the hormone and metabolic systems.

PCOS/PMOS is a hormonal and metabolic issue. Regardless if you have cysts on your ovaries or not, you can be impacted by PCOS/PMOS if your metabolic and hormonal health show other defining symptoms. While the true root cause of PMOS is still yet to be understood, there are at least findings out there on how to manage the syndrome and help in reducing or eliminating symptoms.

If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know that I’m in the boat of believing that bio-individuality is real. So what works for one person may not work for another person. BUT, there seem to be some things that should truly aid in helping most people with a specific issue. For instance, managing insulin resistance is a big part of managing PMOS. How exactly one manages their insulin resistance will vary, but the overall goal seems to help most women who struggle with negative PMOS symptoms. I can speak for myself knowing that when I incorporate more sugar in my diet, I end up with worse cramps at the beginning of my menstrual cycle. So as much as I LOVE sugar and want to use it to cope with emotions and stress, it ends up causing more issues with my health and wellness in the long run.

While I’m still figuring out and somewhat struggling to change the way I live in order to change the way I heal, I find it encouraging that the name changed from PCOS to PMOS. Calling it right out that it’s a hormonal and metabolic issue can make a big difference in how we approach the management of the syndrome and the healing of the body. Maybe medical practitioners will also diagnose more accurately or sooner. Only over time will we see if the name change will help women get the help they need and get it more timely and accurately.

Cheers to a small win in the medical world! Remember, you know your body best, and regardless of what the name of a condition is called, you are not defined by it and you have power and control over how to manage it.