Breaking News: PCOS is Officially Renaming to PMOS
We have a significant update to share regarding women’s health. On May 12, 2026, a global consensus published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet officially renamed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
This is not just a name change; it is a fundamental shift in how we understand, diagnose, and treat this condition, which affects over 170 million women worldwide.
1. Why the Change?
The old name, "polycystic," was scientifically inaccurate and often misleading. Research has confirmed that the condition does not involve pathological ovarian cysts, but rather an accumulation of small, immature follicles due to hormonal imbalances.
The new name, PMOS, accurately reflects that this is a multisystem disorder involving:
- Polyendocrine: Multiple hormonal imbalances, such as high androgens and insulin.
- Metabolic: Significant impacts on weight, blood sugar, and cardiovascular health.
- Ovarian: The reproductive and ovulatory aspects of the condition.
2. Timeline for Implementation
This change is part of an evolutionary rebranding strategy.
- 3-Year Transition: A managed transition period began in May 2026 to allow healthcare systems and patients to adapt.
- Full Integration: By 2028, the new name will be fully integrated into the updated International Guidelines used in 195 countries.
3. A More Comprehensive Diagnosis
Diagnosis is never based on a single ultrasound scan alone. The "polycystic" look on an ultrasound is just one possible feature. A proper PMOS diagnosis requires a holistic look at:
- Irregular menstrual cycles or lack of ovulation.
- Clinical or biochemical signs of high male hormones (such as acne, hair growth, or blood tests).
- The exclusion of other similar disorders.
4. Moving Beyond "The Pill": A Holistic Approach
For too long, treatment was often reduced to simply prescribing the birth control pill to induce withdrawal bleeding. While the pill remains a valid option, the new PMOS framework demands a holistic (whole-body) approach.
Because PMOS is rooted in metabolic health, our clinic focuses on:
- Metabolic Management: Addressing insulin resistance and preventing long-term risks like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Lifestyle Interventions: Personalized nutrition and exercise to manage symptoms.
- Mental Health: Supporting patients through the anxiety and depression often linked to hormonal fluctuations.
Our Commitment This landmark change ensures that PMOS is finally recognized as the complex, lifelong endocrine condition it truly is. At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing care that looks beyond the ovaries to support your entire well-being.
Questions? Schedule a consultation with us to discuss how these new international standards affect your personalized care plan.
Our Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists:
Ho Chi Minh – FMP Thao Dien:
Dr. Saiko Sugiyama is a highly skilled obstetrician and gynecologist with international medical training and extensive clinical experience in women’s health. She graduated from medical school in Japan and has worked in both hospital and clinical settings, providing comprehensive care across obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Sugiyama specializes in antenatal and postnatal care, routine gynecological examinations, and the diagnosis and management of a wide range of women’s health conditions. She is known for her patient-centered approach and clear communication, supporting women through every stage of life.
FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centers in major cities including HCMC, Ha Noi and Da Nang, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centers and emergency ambulance services.
Visit FMP Thao Dien in Ho Chi Minh City to consult with Dr. Saiko Sugiyama.
To book an appointment, please call (028) 3744 2000 (FMP - Thao Dien), or email d2.ob-gyn@vietnammedicalpractice.com
Hanoi:
Dr. Olga Sambolska graduated from Lviv National Medical University in 1996 and commenced her medical career at the Volyn Regional Maternity Hospital in Ukraine. Since 1998 she has been a registered obstetrics and gynecology doctor, providing healthcare to women in relation to pregnancy, birth control, menopausal issues, contraception, menstrual cycle diseases and sexually transmitted diseases. She is fluent in English, Ukrainian, Polish and Russian.
FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centers in major cities including HCMC, Ha Noi and Da Nang, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centers and emergency ambulance services.
Visit FMP Hanoi 24/7 at 298I Kim Mã Street, Kim Mã Ward, Ba Đình District.
To book an appointment, please call us at (024).3843.0784, or contact us via WhatsApp, Viber or Zalo on +84.944.43.1919 or email hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com.
