Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a term coined in 1935, affects approximately one in eight women in the UK, according to the UK-based charity Verity. However, recent research from Monash University in Australia, published in The Lancet, reveals growing dissatisfaction among both patients and healthcare professionals regarding the name’s limited scope.
The study found that 86% of patients and 76% of professionals believe the current name is misleading, as it highlights only ovarian symptoms, neglecting the broader systemic effects of the condition. PCOS causes ovaries to enlarge with fluid-filled sacs around the eggs—though these are not traditional cysts, as the NHS clarifies.
While ovarian cysts are a separate diagnosis, the sac-like structures in PCOS interfere with ovarian function, triggering hormonal imbalances that lead to commonly recognized symptoms such as facial hair growth and irregular menstrual cycles. Yet, the condition’s reach extends well beyond the ovaries.
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Women with PCOS also face increased risks of pregnancy complications, as well as serious long-term health conditions including diabetes, liver disease, and certain cancers. Strikingly, over 20% of participants in the study were unaware of these broader health impacts tied to PCOS.
The study, involving more than 7,700 patients and professionals across six continents, highlighted significant gaps in knowledge and awareness. In 2023, new potential names were tested, some retaining the familiar PCOS acronym but redefining the words behind the letters to better represent the condition. Terms like “endocrine” and “metabolic” gained popularity for reflecting the true nature of PCOS, beyond its reproductive symptoms.
Experts argue that updating the name could lead to faster diagnoses, greater awareness, and improved health outcomes for patients. Nearly half of the surveyed patients reported consulting multiple healthcare providers before receiving a PCOS diagnosis, underscoring the urgent need for broader understanding, especially regarding symptoms beyond fertility and menstrual irregularities.