POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) RENAMED AS PMOS

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) RENAMED AS PMOS

Why in the News?

• Global Consensus: The Lancet published the global consensus renaming Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as Poly-endocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
• Indian Participation: Indian experts and organisations actively contributed to the 14-year international consultation and survey process behind the renaming.
• Diagnostic Shift: The new terminology aims to improve accurate diagnosis, awareness, and treatment by recognising the disorder’s broader metabolic and endocrine impacts.

Key features of PMOS

• Broader Definition: PMOS highlights the condition’s effects on the endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive systems, not just ovaries.
• Metabolic Link: The condition is strongly associated with insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Hormonal Imbalance: It involves disruptions in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pancreas, adrenal hormones, and ovarian function.
• Misleading Terminology: The earlier term “cysts” was inaccurate because the structures are actually arrested immature follicles, not true cysts.
• Mental Health Impact: PMOS is linked with anxiety, depression, infertility, acne, and menstrual irregularities.

Important facts about PMOS

• Global Prevalence: PMOS affects nearly 1 in 8 women globally, impacting over 170 million women.
• Indian Burden: Prevalence in India is estimated at around 16–18%, making it a major women’s health concern.
• Ovulation Problem: In PMOS, follicles fail to mature completely, disrupting ovulation and fertility.
• Thrifty Genotype: Experts link higher metabolic risks in Indians to the “thrifty genotype hypothesis”, involving efficient energy storage adaptations.
• Lifestyle Connection: Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, unhealthy diet, and stress are considered major aggravating factors.