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Arizona (Dignity Health) Oct 1, 2026 2 mins read

Women’s Health Condition Renamed to Improve Care and Diagnosis

A women’s health expert at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital explains how the shift from PCOS to PMOS helps patients receive more comprehensive care for metabolic health.

“This shift highlights how far-reaching this diagnosis can be and helps patients receive more comprehensive care from their teams.”
Loana Danci, MD, an OB/GYN at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.

 

A significant women’s health condition impacting an estimated 170 million women worldwide is receiving a new name to improve diagnosis and care.This September, during PCOS Awareness Month, a women’s health expert at Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, is raising  awareness of how the name shift from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), will make a difference for those with the condition. 

For decades, the condition has been closely associated with ovarian cysts. Physicians now recognize that its effects can extend well beyond the ovaries, affecting hormones, metabolism, fertility and long-term health. Physicians expect the new moniker and expanded definition will lead to earlier diagnoses.

“This shift highlights how far-reaching this diagnosis can be and helps patients receive more comprehensive care from their teams,” says Ioana Danci, MD, an OB/GYN at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. “As a result, this also helps patients recognize that health outcomes involve more than cysts on ovaries or irregular periods.”

Symptoms of PMOS can include the following: irregular periods, acne, weight gain, mental health challenges, thinning hair or excess body hair due to high androgen hormone levels. Patients with PMOS may experience metabolic issues and are therefore at a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke or infertility. 

Research published in The Lancet notes that insulin resistance was present in many study participants. Insulin resistance triggers the ovaries to produce an excess amount of testosterone, leading to the rise in androgen hormone levels and the aforementioned symptoms. 

With this new awareness, physicians are much better able to develop a tailored treatment plan that can ease some of the patient’s symptoms and provide a bit of relief.

”The mainstay of treatment focuses on sustainable lifestyle modifications, including healthy eating, regular exercise and prioritizing a good night’s sleep,” Dr. Danci explains. “We can also use medications such as hormone-blockers, birth control pills, or metformin, which can be used off-label to combat insulin resistance.”

Discuss PMOS or other women's health concerns with a Dignity Health specialist.