Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, now has a new name in hopes of improving care and giving importance to the wide range of symptoms the condition encompasses.
The background
The condition now called PMOS, or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, emphasizes the metabolic aspects of the condition, which include insulin resistance, cardiovascular complications and other symptoms, said Dr. Neha Lalani, who is board certified in internal medicine, endocrinology and obesity medicine at Bluebonnet Diabetes & Endocrinology in Lakeway.
According to Lalani, the former name, PCOS, gives the impression that it is only a gynecological condition, focusing largely on symptoms relating to irregular menstrual cycles and fertility problems, causing patients and practitioners to not give importance to the underlying metabolic issues.
The new name aims to include and provide more awareness surrounding the metabolic symptoms, beyond the previously recognized gynecological symptoms.
“The change in name to PMOS is going to help make people realize that there is a huge metabolic component that needs to be addressed,” Lalani said. “The name change is very important for the long-term health of these patients.”
The details
One in eight women is affected by PMOS, yet many go undiagnosed, Lalani said.
Treatment for PMOS often includes “off-label” medications, Lalani said. This is when doctors prescribe patients a medication to treat a different condition from what is originally listed on the medication's official label, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Because of this, drugs like GLP-1s, which can help manage metabolic symptoms for patients with PMOS, are often not covered by insurance, Lalani said.
“I think definitely with the change in name, there will be more studies showing the positive outcome of these medications for patients,” Lalani said. “Eventually, I think insurance may start covering these medications for PMOS.”
Something to know
Lalani recommends those with PMOS seek treatment from a local endocrinologist to receive well-rounded care that gives importance to all aspects of the condition.
“I think the more we speak about PMOS in the correct way, the more patients will get properly diagnosed,” Lalani said. “That will help trigger more studies and research, and eventually, more options will be available for patients.”
