Study suggests exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ may be a main driver of disease, formerly called PCOS, authors say

New research for the first time links prenatal exposure to Pfas “forever chemicals” with the development of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) later in life.

PMOS, formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is estimated to impact about 13% of women. Many cases are undiagnosed, and the disease’s cause largely remains a mystery.

After more than a decade of global consultation, polycystic ovary syndrome – which affects as many as one in eight women – has been renamed. The condition is caused by high levels of androgens, which can lead to symptoms such as excess hair, weight gain and irregular periods. To understand why campaigners wanted it renamed, and what its new name – polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) – could mean for patients, Madeleine Finlay hears from the Guardian’s science correspondent, Nicola Davis, and Rachel, a campaigner from the charity Verity

‘Unprecedented’ global effort leads to renaming of polycystic ovary syndrome – and fresh hope for millions of women

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Polycystic ovary syndrome is being relabelled polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome to correct the misconception that it is solely a gynaecological disease that creates ovarian cysts. Here’s what you need to know about the condition

• ‘Unprecedented’ global effort gives new name to polycystic ovary syndrome – and new hope to millions of women
• ‘I still want to scream’: the loneliness and confusion of living with PMOS

With polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) now being rebadged as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), we take a look at the condition and explore why experts have decided it is time for a new name.

Decades-long campaign powered by patient perspectives results in switch from PCOS – a name that caused confusion and undue suffering – to PMOS

• What is PCOS, what are the symptoms and treatment, and why is it being renamed PMOS?
• ‘I still want to scream’: the loneliness and confusion of living with PMOS

After more than a decade of global consultation, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a condition that affects one in eight women – has been renamed.

The hormonal disorder, estimated to impact 170 million women worldwide, will now be known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).