PMOS Directory PCOS · now also called PMOS — find care, state by state Find a provider

PCOS / PMOS glossary

Think of this page as a companion for your appointments: the words clinicians use, in plain language, so nothing in the room goes over your head. Definitions follow federal health references (MedlinePlus, NICHD, Office on Women’s Health). This glossary explains words only — it does not recommend any treatment.

PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome. A hormone condition that can affect periods, skin, hair, weight, and the ability to get pregnant. It is the older name for the condition now being renamed PMOS.
PMOS
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. The new name chosen by a global expert consensus in 2026. It points to the whole-body hormone and metabolism side of the condition, not just the ovaries.
Why two names?
In May 2026, experts from around the world agreed the old name, PCOS, was misleading: many people with the condition have no ovarian cysts, and the condition is about hormones and metabolism, not only ovaries. The new name, PMOS, will fully replace PCOS when the next care guideline comes out (expected 2028). Until then, both names mean the same condition.
Insulin resistance
When the body’s cells do not respond well to insulin, the hormone that moves sugar from the blood into cells. The body then makes extra insulin, which can raise androgen levels.
Androgens
A group of hormones, including testosterone. All women make some. Higher levels can cause acne, extra hair growth, and scalp hair thinning.
Hirsutism
Extra coarse, dark hair in places where women usually have little — such as the face, chest, or back. It is linked to higher androgen levels.
Anovulation
When an ovary does not release an egg during a cycle. It is a common reason for irregular periods and trouble getting pregnant.
HbA1c (A1C)
A blood test that shows average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. It is used to check for prediabetes and diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome
A group of risk factors that show up together — larger waist size, higher blood pressure, higher blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. It raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Follicles
Small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, each holding an immature egg. An ultrasound may show many small follicles. These are not true cysts, even though the old name says “cystic.”
Telehealth
Care visits by video or phone instead of in person. In this directory, a telehealth listing means the provider states they offer remote visits in your state.
Cash-pay
Care paid directly by the patient instead of billed to insurance. Prices are set by the practice; ask the practice for its prices.

Sources named on this page are listed for information. A link or a name is not an endorsement of this directory by that source, or of that source by this directory, beyond the description given.

Sources: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), NICHD, and the Office on Women’s Health, read November 2026. Definitions are summaries in plain language, not medical advice.

Definitions and resources here are general education. Medical terms can mean different things in your own case. If a definition here and your provider’s advice differ, follow your provider.