A major change has officially been introduced in women’s healthcare terminology. What was previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS will now be referred to as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

Medical experts involved in the renaming say the old term “PCOS” was medically misleading because it focused heavily on ovarian cysts, even though the condition affects multiple hormonal and metabolic systems throughout the body.

The decision follows years of international consultation involving doctors, researchers, endocrinologists, healthcare organisations and patient advocacy groups.

Why experts wanted to change the name

According to Helena Teede from Monash University, the original term never accurately described the actual condition.

Doctors explained that many women diagnosed with PCOS do not have true ovarian cysts at all. Instead, they often have what specialists call “arrested follicles,” where eggs stop developing properly because of hormonal imbalances.

The older name created confusion for patients because:

• Ovarian cysts are not required for diagnosis
• Many patients never develop actual cysts
• The condition impacts hormones, metabolism and mental health too
• It can affect fertility, insulin resistance, skin health and weight management

Experts believe the new name PMOS better reflects the broader endocrine and metabolic nature of the condition.

What does PMOS stand for?

PMOS = Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome

The new term highlights three major areas affected by the condition:

1. Polyendocrine

This refers to the involvement of multiple hormones and endocrine systems in the body.

2. Metabolic

Many women with PMOS experience:

• Insulin resistance
• Weight gain
• Difficulty losing weight
• Increased diabetes risk
• Cholesterol imbalance

3. Ovarian

The ovaries are still involved, particularly in ovulation and reproductive health, but they are no longer considered the sole focus of the condition.

Why the word “polycystic” was considered inaccurate

When doctors first described the condition decades ago, ovaries appeared uneven or bumpy during surgeries and scans. At the time, these structures were assumed to be cysts.

However, researchers now clarify that these are not the same as pathological ovarian cysts, which:

• Grow abnormally
• Cause severe pain
• Rupture or bleed
• Sometimes require surgery

Instead, PMOS is primarily linked to immature or undeveloped follicles caused by hormonal disruption.

This distinction became one of the strongest reasons behind the renaming effort.

Global consultation behind the PMOS decision

The renaming process reportedly involved:

• Thousands of patients worldwide
• Medical specialists and researchers
• More than 50 healthcare and academic organisations
• Endocrinologists and reproductive health experts

Unlike previous attempts, experts say this process was more transparent and community-driven.

Doctors also debated whether the familiar acronym “PCOS” should remain unchanged to avoid confusion. However, survey participants reportedly prioritised medical accuracy over convenience.

Symptoms commonly linked to PMOS

Although symptoms vary from person to person, PMOS may involve:

• Irregular periods
• Excess facial or body hair
• Acne and oily skin
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Weight gain
• Difficulty conceiving
• Insulin resistance
• Fatigue
• Mood changes or anxiety

Experts say many women remain undiagnosed for years because symptoms often develop gradually.

Experts stress that PMOS is treatable

Doctors emphasise that PMOS does not automatically mean infertility. Many women with the condition are able to conceive naturally or with proper medical support.

According to experts, early diagnosis and lifestyle management play a major role in improving outcomes.

Treatment plans may include:

• Diet and exercise changes
• Hormonal therapy
• Insulin management medication
• Fertility treatment when required
• Stress and mental health support

Could there be a male version of PMOS?

Some researchers are also studying whether a related hormonal-metabolic condition may exist in men.

Preliminary studies have explored symptoms such as:

• Insulin resistance
• Obesity
• Hormonal imbalance
• Sparse hair growth
• Early balding
• Mental health issues

However, experts caution that research in this area remains inconclusive and scientifically premature.

Medical terminology may continue to change

Researchers also plan to gradually update diagnostic language used in scans and reports. Terms like “polycystic ovarian morphology” may eventually be replaced with terminology that better reflects arrested follicles and hormonal imbalance.

Healthcare professionals believe these changes could help reduce confusion, stigma and delayed diagnosis among patients.

The transition from PCOS to PMOS is expected to happen gradually through updated medical guidelines, awareness campaigns and healthcare education over the coming years.

Concerns surrounding the recent Hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship:
MV Hondius
have triggered comparisons with the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quarantines, international monitoring, emergency evacuations, and reports of infections aboard the ship have raised public anxiety online. However, global health officials and infectious disease experts continue to stress that the current situation is fundamentally different from COVID-19.

WHO Chief Says ‘This Is Not Another COVID’

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the:
World Health Organization, addressed the growing fears during an interview with CBS News.

He stated clearly:

According to Tedros, scientific evidence currently suggests:

• the outbreak risk remains low
• transmission is limited
• and the situation does not resemble the rapid global spread seen during COVID-19.

Health officials say the outbreak linked to the MV Hondius involves the:

Andes strain of hantavirus

— one of the few rare hantavirus variants known to allow limited human-to-human transmission.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a viral disease primarily spread through:

• contact with infected rodents
• rodent urine
• saliva
• or droppings.

Symptoms may include:

• fever
• muscle aches
• fatigue
• breathing difficulties
• nausea
• and severe lung complications.

Some forms can lead to:

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

which can become life-threatening.

Why Experts Say Hantavirus Is Different From COVID-19

Health officials have highlighted three major differences between hantavirus and COVID-19.

1. Hantavirus Does Not Spread Easily Between People

According to experts, the biggest difference is transmission efficiency.

Unlike:
COVID-19,
which spread rapidly through airborne respiratory droplets, hantavirus transmission between humans is:

• extremely rare
• difficult
• and generally requires prolonged close contact.

Maria Van Kerkhove explained:

She clarified that the current outbreak appears largely confined to a specific environment aboard the ship.

Health authorities say transmission of the Andes strain usually requires:

• close physical proximity
• exposure to bodily fluids
• or extended caregiving contact.

2. Scientists Already Understand Hantavirus Much Better

Experts note that COVID-19 became globally dangerous partly because it was:

• a completely new virus
• poorly understood initially
• and spreading before scientists fully understood transmission patterns.

In contrast, hantaviruses have been studied for decades.

Celine Gounder explained:

Researchers already know:

• likely transmission routes
• incubation patterns
• high-risk exposures
• and prevention methods.

This allows health systems to respond faster and more effectively compared to the early COVID outbreak in 2020.

3. Hantavirus Has a Longer Incubation Period

Another major difference involves incubation time.

Experts say:

• hantavirus symptoms can take 2 to 6 weeks to appear
• whereas COVID-19 often spread within just a few days.

The longer incubation period gives authorities:

• more time for contact tracing
• isolation measures
• and monitoring exposed individuals.

According to experts, most passengers linked to the cruise outbreak are now approaching the end of the observation window without a major spike in new infections.

How Many Cases Have Been Reported?

Reports linked to the outbreak mention:

• around 10 confirmed or suspected cases
• several hospitalisations
• and at least three reported deaths.

Authorities are also reportedly monitoring:

• 18 American passengers
  who recently returned to the United States.

Despite the concern, health agencies say the overall public risk remains low.

Why the Cruise Ship Outbreak Triggered Alarm

The outbreak drew attention because the response resembled early pandemic containment measures:

• quarantined passengers
• emergency evacuations
• international alerts
• medical isolation
• and passenger tracking.

These similarities sparked public anxiety and comparisons with the COVID-19 pandemic era.

However, experts insist the scientific risk profile is very different.

Can Hantavirus Become a Global Pandemic?

At present, health experts say:

• widespread pandemic-level transmission appears unlikely
• hantavirus spreads inefficiently between humans
• and current evidence does not suggest uncontrolled global spread.

Former FDA Commissioner:
Scott Gottlieb
also noted that hantavirus:

Still, health agencies continue surveillance to monitor for:

• mutation risks
• transmission changes
• or unexpected outbreaks.

How to Reduce Risk of Hantavirus Infection

Experts recommend:

• avoiding contact with rodents
• safely cleaning rodent-infested areas
• wearing masks and gloves during cleaning
• disinfecting surfaces properly
• and seeking medical help if symptoms appear after possible exposure.

Endometriosis is often mistaken for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) because both conditions can cause bloating, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea, and nausea.

However, health experts warn that when digestive symptoms repeatedly worsen around the menstrual cycle, the real cause may be a gynaecological condition rather than a gut disorder.

Medical professionals say this overlap is one of the key reasons why many women experience delayed diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

These growths can develop on:

• ovaries
• fallopian tubes
• pelvic lining
• bladder
• and even parts of the bowel or intestine

The condition can lead to:

• inflammation
• severe pelvic pain
• scar tissue formation
• fertility complications
• and digestive symptoms.

Why Endometriosis Is Commonly Misdiagnosed as IBS

According to experts, bowel-related symptoms appear because endometrial tissue can affect the pelvic region and nearby digestive organs.

As a result, women may initially receive treatment for IBS instead of the underlying condition.

Professor Sangeetha K from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre says the symptom overlap often creates confusion during diagnosis.

Key Symptoms That May Point to Endometriosis Instead of IBS

1. Chronic Bloating (‘Endo Belly’)

Occasional bloating is common, but persistent bloating accompanied by:

• pelvic pain
• abdominal heaviness
• excessive gas

may indicate endometriosis.

Doctors say a major clue is timing.

If bloating:

• worsens before periods
• appears during menstruation
• or follows a monthly cycle

it may be hormonally linked rather than purely digestive.

2. Alternating Diarrhoea and Constipation

Changes in bowel habits are often associated with IBS.

However, in endometriosis:

• lesions may irritate the bowel
• pelvic inflammation may affect digestion
• symptoms often intensify around menstruation.

Unlike IBS, which may be triggered by stress or food, endometriosis-related symptoms often show a cyclical pattern.

3. Pain During Bowel Movements

Painful bowel movements — especially during periods — can be a major warning sign.

Experts say this may occur when endometrial tissue affects:

• the pelvic cavity
• rectum
• or lower bowel region.

Severe pain during defecation should not be dismissed as routine constipation or acidity.

4. Nausea and Vomiting Around Menstruation

Some women experience:

• nausea
• vomiting
• digestive discomfort

alongside worsening pelvic pain during the menstrual cycle.

Doctors say these symptoms may result from hormonal inflammation associated with endometriosis rather than a stomach infection or food intolerance.

Other Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Apart from digestive symptoms, endometriosis may also cause:

• severe menstrual cramps
• heavy bleeding
• chronic pelvic pain
• lower back pain
• pain during intercourse
• fatigue
• fertility issues.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Experts stress that delayed diagnosis can lead to:

• worsening pain
• scar tissue formation
• fertility complications
• emotional stress
• and reduced quality of life.

Studies globally suggest many women live with symptoms for years before receiving a proper diagnosis.

How Endometriosis Is Diagnosed

Doctors may use:

• pelvic examinations
• ultrasound scans
• MRI imaging
• laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery)

to confirm the condition.

Because symptoms overlap with digestive disorders, multidisciplinary evaluation is often necessary.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Experts recommend consulting a gynaecologist if:

• digestive symptoms repeatedly worsen around periods
• menstrual pain interferes with daily life
• over-the-counter treatments fail
• bloating becomes chronic
• or bowel pain becomes severe.

Endometriosis Awareness in India

Health experts estimate that Endometriosis affects millions of women in India, though awareness and diagnosis rates remain relatively low.

Doctors say recognising symptom patterns — especially those linked to menstruation — is critical for early intervention and better treatment outcomes.