Editor’s Note: In this fortnightly column, top doctors share how they deal with their own health challenges, offering readers expert insight grounded in experience. Read more such stories here.

For many years, PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, has been one of the most commonly discussed yet widely misunderstood conditions affecting women.

In my practice as a gynaecologist, I meet countless young girls and women who immediately associate PCOS with irregular periods, acne, weight gain, excess facial hair, infertility, or “cysts” in the ovaries.

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding PCOS is that if an ultrasound does not show ovarian cysts, then the woman does not have the condition. Because of this misunderstanding, many women either ignore their symptoms or get diagnosed very late.

Some continue struggling with hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, or fertility issues without realising they may still have PCOS even in the absence of visible cysts.

This is exactly why the proposed shift from the term PCOS to PMOS, Poly Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, has become an important conversation in women’s health.

As a doctor, I believe this name change could make a meaningful difference, not simply because of terminology, but because it changes the way women understand the condition itself.

WHY THE NAME CHANGE BECAME NECESSARY

The older name, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, mainly focusses on the ovaries and the presence of cysts. But over the years, research and clinical experience have clearly shown that this condition is much bigger than a reproductive disorder.

PCOS affects hormones, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, weight, mental health, heart health, and several body systems beyond the ovaries.

This is why the term PMOS may offer a more accurate understanding of the condition.

When women hear the word “metabolic,” they immediately realise this disorder is connected to much more than periods or fertility. It helps them understand that their long-term health may also be affected.

In my experience, many women have treated PCOS casually because they believed it was “common” or “normal.” I often hear statements like, “PCOS toh har kisi ko hai.” Unfortunately, this mindset causes many women to ignore the serious metabolic risks linked to the condition.

PCOS IS NOT JUST A COSMETIC ISSUE

Another major problem is that many young women focus only on the visible symptoms of PCOS, such as acne, facial hair, hair fall, or weight gain.

While these symptoms can certainly affect confidence and mental well-being, the condition goes much deeper internally.

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing:

Insulin resistance

Type 2 diabetes

High cholesterol

Fatty liver disease

High blood pressure

Long-term heart disease

This is why I feel the term PMOS may help women understand the seriousness of the condition much earlier.

The moment metabolism and heart health become part of the conversation, women begin asking more questions about prevention, lifestyle changes, and long-term care. That shift in thinking is extremely important.

AWARENESS IS ALREADY IMPROVING

One positive effect of this proposed name change is that it has started conversations everywhere.

People are reading more about the condition, discussing it openly, and questioning old misconceptions. Sometimes, even a change in terminology can renew public interest and push people to seek medical advice earlier.

And awareness is the first step toward proper diagnosis and treatment.

The new term also helps reduce the blame that many women unfairly place on themselves.

For years, women with PCOS have often been judged for their weight or lifestyle habits. While diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management certainly play an important role in controlling symptoms, genetics and hormones are also major contributors.

In many families, we see similar symptoms in mothers, sisters, or close relatives. Understanding this helps women realise that the condition is not simply a result of “poor lifestyle choices.”

That understanding reduces guilt and encourages women to seek help instead of silently struggling.

LIFESTYLE STILL REMAINS THE STRONGEST TREATMENT TOOL

Even though the name may change, one thing remains the same, lifestyle management is still one of the most effective ways to control PMOS symptoms.

In my practice, I always advise women to focus on:

Regular physical activity

Balanced nutrition

Better sleep patterns

Stress management

Maintaining a healthy weight

Even small but consistent lifestyle changes can improve hormone balance and insulin sensitivity over time.

The good news is that early diagnosis and proper management can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.

WHY MORE YOUNG WOMEN ARE BEING DIAGNOSED TODAY

Over the last few years, I have noticed a clear rise in cases among teenage girls and women in their twenties.

Several modern lifestyle factors are contributing to this increase, including:

Sedentary routines

Processed food consumption

Poor sleep schedules

High stress levels

Excessive screen time

Many young women today are spending long hours sitting, sleeping late, skipping meals, and living under constant stress. These habits can worsen hormonal imbalance and metabolic health.

This is why education and early awareness are extremely important.

The sooner women understand their bodies and symptoms, the sooner they can begin preventive care.

A NAME CHANGE ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH

At the same time, I do not believe that simply changing the name from PCOS to PMOS will solve everything overnight.

Real change will only happen through better education, regular screening, early diagnosis, and continuous medical support.

Women should not ignore symptoms such as:

Irregular periods

Sudden weight gain

Severe acne

Hair thinning

Excess facial hair

Difficulty conceiving

These signs should never be dismissed as “normal female problems.”

Seeking medical advice early can help prevent more serious complications later in life.

Whether we continue calling it PCOS or begin using PMOS more widely, the goal remains the same: early diagnosis, whole-body treatment, and prevention of long-term complications.

If this name change helps women understand that the condition is not just about ovaries or fertility, but also about metabolism, hormones, and future health risks, then yes, I believe it can make a real difference.

And if it encourages more women to stop ignoring symptoms and start prioritising their health earlier, that change is absolutely worth it.

(Dr Jayasree Sundar, Director – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rosewalk by Rainbow Hospitals, Malviya Nagar, Delhi)

Source: India Today