Endocrinologist: New PCOS Name Marks Historic Shift

A significant shift in understanding and terminology for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has occurred, with a new name reflecting its systemic nature. Dr. Lina Zabulienė, an endocrinologist at Vilnius University Hospital and a member of the European Society of Endocrinology's Clinical Committee, described the change as a "historic breakthrough."

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In clinical practice, disease names change very rarely. Even more rarely does this happen when not only the medical term changes, but the very concept of the condition changes. This time, exactly such a historic breakthrough has occurred – today we clearly understand that this is not just an ovarian problem. It is a condition determined by neuroendocrine and metabolic changes throughout the body, which can affect a woman's health at various stages of her life.

"In clinical practice, disease names change very rarely. Even more rarely does this happen when not only the medical term changes, but the very concept of the condition changes. This time, exactly such a historic breakthrough has occurred – today we clearly understand that this is not just an ovarian problem. It is a condition determined by neuroendocrine and metabolic changes throughout the body, which can affect a woman's health at various stages of her life," Dr. Zabulienė explained.

The new nomenclature, the result of 14 years of intensive work involving 56 international organizations and over 22,000 patients and experts, aims to correct misconceptions. Previously, the term "polycystic ovary syndrome" led to the mistaken belief that women had cystic ovarian disease. The "pearl necklace" appearance seen on ultrasounds is actually immature follicles, not cysts, and is not present in all affected women. This misunderstanding often caused anxiety about infertility and guilt related to weight gain and other health issues.

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The old name perpetuated the false notion that women suffer from cystic ovarian disease, caused anxiety about infertility and, most importantly, often led to an unjustified sense of guilt about weight gain and other health problems. A global survey revealed that as many as 86% of patients desired this change. They wanted to show the public and doctors that this condition is not just a reproductive system disorder. It is a complex, systemic condition where changes in various hormones and metabolism intertwine, affecting the cardiovascular system, skin condition, and emotional well-being.

Dr. Zabulienė highlighted that the new name more accurately represents the complex, systemic condition involving hormonal and metabolic changes that impact cardiovascular health, skin, and emotional well-being. She also urged the public to discard myths that PCOS is a consequence of poor lifestyle choices, laziness, or lack of willpower, emphasizing its complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, neuroendocrine, metabolic, and environmental factors.

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PCOS is not a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle, overeating, laziness, or lack of willpower. It is a multifactorial condition whose development is determined by the interaction of genetic, epigenetic, neuroendocrine, metabolic, and environmental factors.