New name for PCOS aims to boost awareness and diagnosis for Black and Latina women

Bontle Moka-Moliki, a 32-year-old from Atlanta, was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2019, fibroids a year later, and in 2024 received a diagnosis of a condition now called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The disorder, previously known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, was renamed about two months ago to better reflect its symptoms and to allow for a possible male form.

PMOS typically begins around a woman’s first menstrual cycle and can cause irregular periods, facial hair growth, chronic pain, weight gain, ovarian cysts and depression. The new terminology is intended to improve recognition of these signs and speed up diagnosis.

Research highlighted that Black women experience roughly twice the prevalence of PMOS compared with white women and often face more severe symptoms such as hirsutism and hypertension. Hispanic and Latina women also show higher rates of metabolic complications. Both groups face delayed diagnosis, limited health-care access and low insurance coverage, making the name change a hopeful step toward better awareness and care.