Previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome, a coalition of doctors and advocates agreed to change its name to polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome.
SEATTLE — What’s in a name? As it turns out, there are a lot. Especially when it comes to disease names with broad implications.
For decades, it was called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It can manifest as ovarian cysts and irregular menstruation, but doctors say it’s much more complicated.
“People only focus on their period or their ovaries without really thinking about the bigger picture,” says Dr. Anne-Marie Amis Erschlag.
Dr. Anne-Marie Amies Oelschlager is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine, specializing in pediatrics and adolescent gynecology. HealthLink spoke with her about what doctors officially describe as a significant change in her condition.
“This is a disease that affects the whole body, and the new name is polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, which reflects more of the involvement of the whole body rather than just isolation of the ovaries,” she said.
published in journal lancet In May, an international coalition of doctors and patient advocates approved a move to rename polycystic ovary syndrome to polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome (PMOS). Not only does this condition affect fertility, it can also cause hair loss and is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and depression.
“There’s a lot of focus on managing irregular periods and acne, which is very effective, but there’s really not a lot of focus on heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, all of those issues that can have very serious long-term consequences if you don’t manage them aggressively and start early,” says Amies Oelschlager.
The World Health Organization estimates that PMOS affects 10% to 13% of women of childbearing age worldwide, with up to 70% of women not even knowing they have the disease. It is hoped that renaming the condition will improve patient recognition and understanding of the spectrum of PMOS.
“People will be able to really realize that they need not only their ob-gyn, but all the other specialists to help manage their condition,” said Amies Oelschlager.
