WHO and IES rename PCOS to polycystic ovary and adrenal syndrome

The World Health Organization and the International Endocrine Society issued a joint statement on March 15, 2024 reclassifying polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as polycystic ovary and adrenal syndrome (PCOAS). The new label highlights the condition’s metabolic and adrenal involvement, moving beyond the historic emphasis on ovarian cysts. Advocates say the change will encourage broader endocrine screening and multidisciplinary care, noting that about 70% of patients exhibit insulin resistance while only 30% receive metabolic testing.

Critics caution that a name change alone will not improve outcomes unless clinical practice and insurance coverage adapt. Pharmaceutical firms such as Bayer and Merck have announced trials targeting adrenal and metabolic pathways, reflecting the revised therapeutic focus. In India, the terminology has been adopted as “Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome” (PMOS), with local clinicians emphasizing whole‑body hormonal assessment for women who often face misdiagnosis and fragmented treatment. The reclassification is expected to boost research funding, improve patient management, and align diagnostic criteria with the condition’s systemic nature.