Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects millions of women worldwide, may soon have a new name—“metabolic reproductive syndrome.” This proposed change is the result of years of debate, surveys, and feedback from both patients and healthcare professionals, and aims to better reflect the complex nature of the condition.
A Name That Reflects the Full Picture, not the ‘symptom’
Dr. Helena Teede, a leading researcher from Monash University in Australia, argues that the term "PCOS" is too narrow and misleading. "PCOS" focuses primarily on the presence of cysts in the ovaries, a feature that, while common, is not necessary or sufficient for diagnosis. Additionally, the name fails to encompass the broader metabolic and hormonal issues associated with the syndrome, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and the increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“The current name, PCOS, is a distraction,” Teede said. “It impedes progress and effective communication about the condition. It’s time to choose a name that better captures the diverse, systemic nature of PCOS and helps improve public understanding.”
The Push for Change
Efforts to change the name of PCOS have been ongoing for years. A 2012 open debate at the International Congress of Endocrinology saw 72% of participants agree that a name change was necessary, though consensus on a new name was elusive. Similarly, a 2012 NIH workshop highlighted the limitations of the PCOS label and suggested the name be changed to “metabolic reproductive syndrome,” a term that encompasses both the reproductive and metabolic components of the condition.
Patient and Physician Consensus
A survey of over 1,400 women with PCOS, mostly from the U.S. and Europe, revealed strong support for a name change. Only 14 women in the survey supported retaining "PCOS." A significant majority found the name confusing, and they expressed the need for better education and clearer communication about the syndrome.
Healthcare professionals were equally in favour of the name change. A global survey of 1,655 healthcare providers found that many shared the same concerns: that the name "PCOS" was too misleading and didn't fully capture the syndrome's diverse symptoms and health implications.
What’s Next?
The move to rename PCOS will begin with the publication of an international position statement, followed by updates to global health guidelines and the ICD (International Classification of Diseases) coding system. Teede and other experts will work with medical journals to ensure that the new name gains traction in both academic and clinical settings.
Ultimately, the goal is to improve public understanding of the condition, enhance patient care, and foster better communication between patients and healthcare providers. As Dr. Teede puts it, a name that reflects the complexity of the condition will pave the way for more effective treatment and awareness.
In the coming years, "metabolic reproductive syndrome" may become the new standard, marking a significant shift in how we approach this widespread and often misunderstood condition.
