A growing international movement is seeking to rename Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), with experts arguing that the current term is medically inaccurate, misleading and contributes to delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment and social stigma affecting millions of women worldwide.
In an article published in The Lancet, researchers led by Helena J. Teede said the name PCOS fails to reflect the true nature of the condition. They argue that the term wrongly emphasises ovarian “cysts,” despite evidence showing that abnormal ovarian cysts are not actually increased in affected individuals.
Instead, the authors say the condition is better characterised by a combination of endocrine, metabolic and ovarian dysfunction.
“Accuracy is improved by omitting cysts and by capturing endocrine, metabolic and ovarian dysfunction,” the paper stated, noting that a global implementation strategy involving education, transition planning and alignment with health systems is already underway.
PCOS is estimated to affect around 170 million women during their reproductive years globally. Diagnosis currently relies on meeting at least two of three internationally recognised criteria: irregular or absent ovulation, elevated male hormone levels, or the presence of polycystic ovaries identified through ultrasound scans or high Anti-Müllerian Hormone levels.
However, experts say the current name captures only a narrow reproductive aspect of a much broader condition.
According to the paper, up to 70 percent of people with PCOS remain undiagnosed, partly because the term creates confusion among both patients and healthcare providers.
Researchers say the disorder has historically been viewed mainly as a gynaecological issue, overshadowing its wider hormonal and metabolic impacts.
The authors stressed that PCOS involves multiple interconnected health concerns extending far beyond fertility.
These include metabolic complications such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and abnormal blood lipid levels. Reproductive complications can include irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, pregnancy complications and increased risk of endometrial cancer.
The condition is also linked to psychological challenges including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and reduced quality of life, alongside dermatological symptoms such as acne and hair loss.
Experts say the proposed new classification would better reflect the full spectrum of symptoms and health risks associated with the condition.
Helena J. Teede, director of Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation at Monash University, has spent decades researching the condition and leading the name change initiative.
According to an Endocrine Society release, Teede said many patients experience distress because the current name places undue emphasis on fertility and ovaries, particularly in cultures where reproductive expectations carry strong social pressure.
“What we now know is that there is actually no increase in abnormal cysts on the ovary, and the diverse features of the condition were often unappreciated,” Teede said.
“It was heart-breaking to see the delayed diagnosis, limited awareness and inadequate care afforded those affected by this neglected condition,” she added.
More than 50 patient advocacy and professional organisations, including the Endocrine Society, participated in the international process to develop a new name and classification system for the condition.
Health experts believe the proposed changes could improve awareness, diagnosis and treatment while reducing stigma for millions living with the disorder.
