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Survey Results

PCOS to PMOS: What Our Community Thinks

In May 2026, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) was renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). We asked our community how they feel about the change. Here is what 224 people told us.
8.0/10
Average support for the name change
116 of 224 gave a perfect 10
86%
Want healthcare professionals to use PMOS
194 of 224 people
83%
Had already heard the term PMOS
185 of 224 people
55%
Say confusion around the name PCOS affected their understanding or care
124 of 224 people
Will the new name help?

Strong support for adopting PMOS

Most people want doctors and charities to start using PMOS now. Fewer are sure the new name alone will reduce stigma.

Yes
Yes, gradually
Not sure
No
Should healthcare professionals start using PMOS officially?
194 of 224 said yes
55%
31%
Should charities and advocacy groups adopt PMOS now?
139 of 224 said yes
62%
28%
10%
Will the new name improve public understanding?
131 of 224 said yes
59%
24%
17%
Would PMOS reduce confusion around symptoms and diagnosis?
131 of 224 said yes
59%
28%
14%
Will changing the name reduce stigma?
77 of 224 said yes
34%
41%
24%
Awareness and experience

Most already knew the new name

More than half say confusion around the old name affected their understanding or their care.

Had you heard of the term PMOS before?
185 of 224 said yes
83%
17%
Do you understand why PCOS is being renamed?
170 of 224 said yes
76%
17%
Has confusion around the name PCOS affected your understanding or care?
124 of 224 said yes
55%
31%
14%
Here “Yes” is the concerning answer, so it is shown in orange.

How supportive are you of the name change?

Average 8.0 out of 10 · 79% scored 7 or higher
16
16
15
23
23
15
116
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

How well do you understand the term PMOS?

Average 6.7 out of 10 · 62% scored 7 or higher
15
15
15
39
70
39
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
In their own words

How people feel about the change

We read every written answer to “How do you feel about the proposed name change?” and grouped them by overall tone.

Positive
Mixed
Neutral
Negative
Overall tone of written answers
131 of 224 were positive
59%
21%
14%

“It makes it feel seen, like it’s more than just ‘cysts’. The new name helps to highlight that there’s many more issues and struggles.”

Positive

“Pleased. It makes more sense and gives a more holistic view to the condition.”

Positive

“It’s a bit wordy but much more accurate.”

Positive

“It feels like a slap in the face and a sigh of relief. It took a name change to get some recognition.”

Mixed

“I’m cautiously optimistic, though I really hope that this isn’t the only thing that’ll change.”

Mixed

“PMOS is harder to remember and to say.”

Negative
Understanding PMOS

What the new name brings to mind

Themes from two open questions. Clear, simple information is the most requested support.

When you hear “PMOS”, you think of…

One theme per answer.
Metabolism, hormones, endocrine
24% · 54
Mistaken for something else (menstrual, menopause)
14% · 31
Not sure, or nothing yet
14% · 31
Just an updated name for PCOS
10% · 23
More than fertility or gynaecology
10% · 23
Feelings: struggle, relief, wanting a cure
10% · 23
Other or left blank
17% · 39

What would help people understand PMOS

An answer can mention more than one need.
Clear, simple information: leaflets, guides, visuals, social media
41% · 93
Better-trained GPs and doctors
14% · 31
Treatment and day-to-day management
14% · 31
Proper support and care after diagnosis
7% · 15
The science behind the condition
7% · 15
Nothing, unsure or left blank
24% · 54
Who answered

Our respondents

Almost everyone who took part lives with the condition, and nearly half are over 30.

Age range

All respondents.
16–21
7% · 15
21–25
28% · 62
25–30
17% · 39
30+
48% · 108

Diagnosis

All respondents.
Diagnosed with PCOS / PMOS
90% · 201
Not diagnosed
10% · 23
About this survey

Results from the PCOS Relief online survey on the PCOS to PMOS name change. All answers are anonymous; names and contact details were removed before analysis. Written answers were grouped into themes by hand, and quotes are lightly trimmed.

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