Threats: Renaming health condition could improve diagnosis and treatment

A proposed name change for polycystic ovary syndrome could help patients, clinicians and researchers better understand the condition as a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder rather than one defined primarily by the ovaries. 

In a recent story from The Michigan Daily, University of Michigan School of Information assistant professor Megan Threats says the proposed reclassification of PCOS as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is intended to reflect the broader health impacts of the condition. 

Threats’ work examines the role of information in health and health care. 

“While the previous name focused on the ovaries, the new name reflects substantial research and evidence synthesis that highlight the condition’s endocrine and metabolic impact,” Threats says. “So adding the term ‘metabolic’ acknowledges the risk of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease that may come with the condition. Changing ‘polycystic’ to ‘polyendocrine’ highlights other broader features of the condition, such as endocrine abnormalities and elevated androgens.”

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Read “PCOS reclassification to PMOS hopes to improve diagnosis, treatment options and funding” in The Michigan Daily. 

Learn more about UMSI assistant professor Megan Threats by visiting her UMSI faculty profile.