Polycystic ovary syndrome, one of the most common hormonal conditions in women, has been given a new name. It will now be called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. The rename follows a global consensus published in The Lancet in May 2026. It was backed by 56 medical and patient organisations. Experts say the old name was misleading. The word cyst suggested the problem was ovarian cysts. In fact, the structures seen on scans are not true cysts. The condition affects multiple hormone systems, blood sugar and metabolism. The new name reflects this wider picture. Up to 70 per cent of affected women may not know they have it. The condition affects an estimated 10 to 13 per cent of women of reproductive age. Nothing about diagnosis or treatment changes with the new name. Doctors will manage it the same way. A three-year international transition period has begun. During this time, both names will be used while clinics, researchers and guidelines adopt PMOS. The change aims to cut stigma, speed up diagnosis and improve care.