Polycystic ovary syndrome, widely known as PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age. However, its name has been questioned for years by specialists and patients, because it does not accurately reflect the clinical complexity of this condition.

The proposal to adopt the term SOMP seeks to broaden the understanding of the disorder and recognize that it is not only an ovarian problem. The new name integrates three fundamental dimensions: the polyendocrine component, related to multiple hormonal alterations; the metabolic component, mainly associated with insulin resistance and risk of systemic complications; and the ovarian component, which maintains the reference to the reproductive dimension without reducing the entire disease to it.

This nomenclature change is not minor. In health, the name of a disease influences the way it is diagnosed, communicated, and addressed clinically. In the case of PCOS, the traditional name has been able to reinforce the idea that the condition depends exclusively on the presence of “polycystic” ovaries or reproductive symptoms, when in reality it can compromise different systems and manifest itself heterogeneously between patients.

According to the World Health Organization, this condition affects between 8% and 13% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Despite this frequency, a significant proportion remains undiagnosed, which reinforces the need to improve clinical identification, broaden diagnostic suspicion, and more accurately communicate the extent of the syndrome.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome and how can it manifest?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex endocrine and metabolic condition that alters hormonal balance and can present with different degrees of severity. Not all patients manifest the same symptoms, nor do all have similar findings on imaging or laboratory studies.

Among the most frequent manifestations are irregular menstrual cycles, lack of ovulation, difficulty achieving pregnancy, persistent acne, excessive hair growth and hair loss. These manifestations are usually the reason for consultation in gynecology, dermatology, endocrinology or general medicine, depending on the predominant symptom.

However, the scope of the syndrome goes beyond the reproductive or dermatological sphere. PCOS can also be associated with insulin resistance, weight gain, difficulty losing body fat, and a greater predisposition to developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. This metabolic dimension explains why the proposed new name seeks to make explicit a component that has historically remained in the background in the traditional name.

For health personnel, this precision is relevant because it allows us to understand the condition as a comprehensive problem. A patient with irregular cycles, acne, or difficulty getting pregnant may require not only a gynecological evaluation, but also a metabolic and cardiovascular evaluation, especially when there are signs of insulin resistance, weight gain, or a history of risk.

Why the name “polycystic ovary” can cause confusion

One of the main reasons behind the proposed change is that the term polycystic ovary syndrome does not adequately describe the disease. Many patients with this condition do not have polycystic ovaries, while others may have compatible findings on ultrasound without meeting diagnostic criteria for the syndrome.

Additionally, so-called “cysts” are usually not true cysts. In reality, they correspond to immature follicles that have not completed the ovulation process correctly. This difference is important because the traditional term can lead to erroneous interpretations in patients and in some clinical scenarios, by suggesting the presence of ovarian cysts as a central or indispensable element for the diagnosis.

The consequence of this reductionist designation is that, for years, PCOS has been perceived primarily as a gynecological or reproductive condition. This reading may limit the comprehensive assessment of metabolic and cardiovascular risk, as well as delay preventive interventions in patients with hormonal alterations or insulin resistance.

In that sense, SOMP does not only seek to modify a diagnostic label. The proposal aims to correct an incomplete clinical narrative and promote a closer look at the current evidence on the behavior of the syndrome.

PMOS: a more comprehensive view of women’s health

The term Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome – SOMP proposes a broader and more precise reading. The polyendocrine component recognizes that there are multiple hormonal alterations involved. The metabolic component emphasizes the relationship with insulin resistance, body weight, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular risk. The ovarian component maintains the reproductive dimension, but prevents this from being the only way to understand the condition.

This approach may have important implications for clinical practice. Although the name change does not modify the diagnostic criteria for now, it can encourage a more complete conversation between health professionals and patients. It can also contribute to earlier risk identification, better education about the disease, and multidisciplinary care.

The diagnosis continues to be based on clinical evaluation, menstrual history, hormonal studies, and imaging findings. However, updating the nomenclature invites us to reinforce the prevention of metabolic complications and to avoid limiting the approach to reproductive or dermatological symptoms.

In terms of care, a comprehensive vision may require the participation of gynecology, endocrinology, nutrition, internal medicine and other professionals, depending on the needs of each patient. This approach is especially important in a common, heterogeneous and often underdiagnosed condition.

The proposed change towards SOMP represents, in short, an evolution in the way of naming and understanding the syndrome. For the medical community, the challenge will be to translate this discussion into more precise, early and focused care on the real impact that the condition can have on women’s hormonal, metabolic, cardiovascular and reproductive health.