By Dr Mohgah Elshiekh: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, affects around 1 in 8 women globally. That’s millions of women dealing with a condition that can cause irregular periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, weight gain and struggles with fertility. Yet despite how common it is, PCOS remains misunderstood, misdiagnosed and mislabelled—even by health professionals.

And here’s the thing: the name “polycystic ovary syndrome” may be part of the problem.

 

What’s wrong with the name?

“Polycystic” suggests that the key feature of PCOS is having lots of cysts on your ovaries, but many women with PCOS don’t have any cysts at all. And even those who do often have small, fluid-filled follicles—not true ovarian cysts. So the name is not only confusing, but it does not fully capture the syndrome’s complexity. 

You may be surprised to know that PCOS is much more than a problem with the ovaries. It affects hormonal balance, metabolism, skin health, mental wellbeing and heart health. At its root, it’s a hormonal and metabolic condition. It affects the way your body produces and responds to insulin, and how it regulates hormones like testosterone and oestrogen. These imbalances drive the symptoms—like excess hair, acne and irregular cycles—not the cysts.

 

Why this matters

The names given to conditions aren’t just labels. They shape how people—patients, doctors, policymakers—understand a condition. If the name focuses on the ovaries, we risk ignoring the whole-body impact of PCOS, including the increased risk of:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Depression and anxiety
• Cardiovascular disease

Women with PCOS often spend years seeking answers, visiting multiple doctors, receiving vague or inconsistent advice. Research shows that nearly half of women wait more than two years for a diagnosis, and many feel dismissed or misunderstood along the way. That delay can seriously affect both their physical and emotional well-being. A name that reflects the systemic nature of PCOS may help healthcare professionals and the public better understand the complex nature of PCOS and encourage earlier diagnosis.

 

Change is coming

The good news? The medical community is listening. A recent international survey found that nearly 90% of healthcare professionals and patients support changing the name of PCOS to something more accurate and better reflects its diverse features. 

Changing the name of PCOS will take time and effort. It requires collaboration between healthcare professionals, researchers, advocacy groups and, most importantly, the women affected by the condition to find a name that avoids stigma and is easier to understand for patients and healthcare providers alike. Names being considered include “Metabolic Reproductive Syndrome” or “Ovarian Dysmetabolic Syndrome”—terms that reflect the true underlying causes and the wide-reaching effects of the condition.

 

What this means for you

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS or are trying to understand your symptoms, here’s what you need to know:

• It’s not all about the ovaries. Hormonal imbalances may cause you to experience irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty losing weight, excess hair, acne, or mood changes.
• If you are living with PCOS, your voice matters. By sharing your experiences and opinions, you can help shape the future of how this condition is understood and treated. 
• PCOS can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Connect with trusted health professionals and patient communities who understand what you’re going through.
• A name change could make a big difference. It might seem small, but getting the name right can help improve awareness, speed up diagnosis, reduce stigma and guide better treatment – especially for young women just beginning to navigate their health.

 

Final Thoughts

PCOS is one of the most common—but also one of the most overlooked—health conditions affecting women. The name “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” no longer fits the science or the experience of those living with it. As our understanding grows, our language should evolve too.

A name change might not fix everything – but it could be the start of better care, faster diagnosis and greater awareness for millions of women worldwide.