PCOS Rebranded: What You Should Know About PMOS and How Can Nutrition Support You

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been rebranded! In other words, the condition has been renamed in accordance to a global consensus (Teede H, et al.) published May 12, 2026.

Newly named polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) now more accuratley represents the metabolic condition effecting 1 in 8 women (Teede H, et al.)

Why Women's Health Providers Are Excited About the Name Change

Pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Dr. Camille Imbo, notes "For years, I've told patients when I diagnose them with PCOS to ignore the name. The name highlighted cystic ovaries, which was the least concerning and important part of the diagnosis."

The name PCOS also resulted in inaccurate diagnoses in cases where "a few cysts were seen on an incidental ultrasound, despite having no other symptoms!", says Dr. Imbo. Women's bodies make cysts all the time. Polycystic ovaries does not necessarily mean that a woman has PCOS.

According to Teede H, et al., the misleading nature of the previous name resulted in delayed diagnosis, with upwards of 70% of affected individuals remaining undiagnosed.

What You Should Know About PMOS

Explained by Dr. Imbo, the diagnostic features of now polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) include

1. anovulation: which means not ovulating or ovulating irregularly, diagnosed when someone skips periods 3 or more months at a time

2. hyperandrogenism: high testosterone levels that can be clinically diagnosed with hirsutism (male-pattern hair growth) or seen in labs

Due to the diverse metabolic features of PMOS, individuals may also experience fertility concerns related to irregular ovulation, and insulin resistance which can lead to difficulties with weight, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

"It's a hormonal and metabolic disorder, which the new name better represents", says Dr. Imbo.

How Does Nutrition Fit into All of This?

As a Registered Dietitian, I have worked with hundreds of women who have been diagnosed with PCOS. One of the most common features that I found drastically impacted how my clients felt day-to-day, was insulin resistance.

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body manage blood sugar. Insulin resistance is when cells in the body are not responding properly to insulin, impacting blood sugar management.

Clients I've seen with PCOS (now PMOS) and insulin resistance often experience fatigue, disrupted sleep, intense cravings, and bloating.

A few small tweaks to your nutrition and exercise habits, paired with the collaboration with your medical provider, can improve and even reverse insulin resistance.

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