Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age. In 2026 it was renamed PMOS – Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (in Portuguese, SOMP). The condition and its treatment stay the same; the new name simply describes what is going on more accurately.
Why the name changed
The old name suggested that the problem was “cysts” on the ovaries. In fact, they are not cysts, and the condition is not limited to the ovaries: it involves several hormones and the metabolism. The new name came out of an international consensus process published in The Lancet.
What is PMOS?
It is a condition with many contributing factors, involving hormonal and metabolic changes that affect ovulation, raise androgens (male hormones, which women also have) and change how the ovaries look. According to the 2023 international guideline, it affects around 10–13% of women of reproductive age. More than a fertility issue, it affects the whole body, with metabolic, cardiovascular and psychological effects.
How it shows itself
- irregular or absent periods;
- excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne or hair loss;
- difficulty getting pregnant;
- weight gain or difficulty losing weight;
- insulin resistance, even in slim women.
How it is diagnosed
In adult women, diagnosis requires at least 2 of 3 criteria (the Rotterdam criteria): irregular cycles or lack of ovulation; signs of excess androgens, either visible or on blood tests; and polycystic-looking ovaries on ultrasound (20 or more follicles in one ovary, or an ovarian volume above 10 mL). Other causes must always be ruled out.
PMOS is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, sleep apnoea, depression and anxiety, so these should be assessed too.
How it is treated
Treatment is tailored to each woman and depends on her goals. Lifestyle is the foundation: a balanced diet, regular exercise and, where there is excess weight, losing 5 to 10% of body weight already brings meaningful benefits. Depending on the situation, options include:
- the combined oral contraceptive pill, to regulate cycles and lower androgens;
- metformin, to improve insulin sensitivity;
- letrozole or clomifene, to induce ovulation;
- spironolactone, for excess hair growth and acne.
What about GLP-1 medicines?
In PMOS, insulin resistance pushes insulin up, which in turn raises androgens and disrupts ovulation. GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, help with weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity.
In 2026, a meta-analysis of randomised trials compared GLP-1 medicines with metformin in women with PCOS. The overall pregnancy rate did not improve significantly. Spontaneous pregnancy was more frequent with GLP-1 medicines (moderate certainty), with no effect shown on IVF pregnancies (low certainty). There are no data on live births yet. It is a promising signal, but the evidence is still limited, and the 2023 international guideline continues to prioritise lifestyle and treatments with proven effectiveness.
Safety
GLP-1 medicines should not be used in pregnancy. For semaglutide used for weight management, treatment should be stopped at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Always talk to your doctor before starting or stopping a medicine.
PMOS has no cure, but it can be controlled. Timely diagnosis and individual follow-up make all the difference.
This article is for information only and does not replace a medical appointment.
References
- Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, et al. Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(10):2447-2469. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgad463
- Teede HJ, Khomami MB, Morman R, et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;407(10545):2329-2339. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8
- Kar E, Yeh J, Efe MA, Çelik HG, Bozdağ G, Baştu E. The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists versus metformin on pregnancy rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2026;327:115499. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2026.115499
- European Medicines Agency. Wegovy (semaglutide): EPAR – Product Information (Summary of Product Characteristics). ema.europa.eu
