PCOS Renamed PMOS: Ahana Banerjee Highlights Shift in Understanding Complex Condition

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ahana Banerjee discusses the significant renaming of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) and what this change signifies for the millions affected worldwide. Banerjee attended an event at The Nexus Women’s Health Collective, hosted at Barclays Innovation Hub, to explore the implications of this nomenclature shift.

Ahana Banerjee points out that the previous name, PCOS, was often misleading. She explains that the presence of polycystic ovaries, while a common characteristic, does not define the condition for everyone. Furthermore, she highlights that the old name inaccurately reduced a complex, multisystem disorder to a single organ.

“More importantly, the name reduced a complex, multisystem condition to one organ. PMOS can involve endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, psychological and dermatological symptoms, including insulin resistance, irregular periods, fertility challenges, anxiety, hair loss, excess hair growth and acne.”

Understanding the Multisystem Nature of PMOS

As Ahana Banerjee elaborates, the new name, PMOS, more accurately reflects the broader reality of the condition. She notes the extensive global effort behind this change, which involved a 14-year consensus process, input from over 22,000 survey respondents, and collaboration with 56 organizations, culminating in 97% agreement on the new name.

The impact of naming conventions on healthcare is a central theme in Banerjee’s post. She argues that names shape patient understanding, clinical investigation, research priorities, and ultimately, the care patients receive.

“Names matter because they shape what patients understand, what clinicians investigate, what researchers prioritise and, ultimately, what care people receive. If a condition is framed primarily as an ovarian problem, it becomes much easier to overlook the person (and the interconnected systems) around it.”

The Broader Implications for Patient Care

Ahana Banerjee connects this renaming to her work, particularly noting how conditions like acne are often dismissed as purely cosmetic. She emphasizes that visible symptoms can sometimes be indicators of more widespread bodily issues.

Addressing Symptoms in Context

In her analysis, Banerjee states:

“This is especially relevant to us at Clear. Acne is often dismissed as a cosmetic inconvenience, despite sometimes being a visible signal of something happening more broadly in the body. Treating the symptom matters, but understanding its context matters too.”

She concludes by reflecting on the nature of progress in healthcare. According to Ahana Banerjee, advancements are not solely driven by new treatments or technologies but can also stem from accurately describing the problem itself.

Banerjee also extended her thanks to Leo Tyson for organizing the event and to her new colleague, Kajol J., for attending and experiencing the important discussion.