PCOS Is Now PMOS

In the world of medicine, names carry meaning. When a condition receives a new name, that can change the way it’s perceived, which may in turn shape its research, diagnosis, and treatment. One such change is underway right now, with the condition known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) being renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) through an international consensus of experts.

So, what is this condition? Why is its new name important? And if you’re suffering from it, how could a case manager help you thrive in your day-to-day life

PMOS: A New Name for a Serious Chronic Condition

PMOS is a condition that can impact a patient’s body in many ways at once – affecting hormones, metabolism, skin, ovaries, and mental health. Due to an early association with ovarian cysts, it received its old name of PCOS. However, many patients diagnosed with the condition don’t have those cysts.

The new name reflects the potential widespread impact of PMOS on overall health, and it will ideally raise awareness and boost early detection of the condition. Due to the complexity of implementing change in the global medical field, the term “PCOS” will likely be used on official documents and in manuals for years to come, but the shift to “PMOS” among healthcare professionals has begun.

The acknowledgement that PMOS has widespread effects, through its new and more general name, will ideally unlock more funding for researchers studying it. Scientific literature about the condition explains that given its prevalence and seriousness, it should be a greater priority for further study.

How PMOS Affects the Body

PMOS is an endocrine disorder that affects the female reproductive system. There are three criteria that can lead to a diagnosis: an unusually large amount of hormones called androgens, irregularity in menstrual cycles, and the presence of ovarian cysts. It’s possible to receive a diagnosis with only two of those three symptoms. The fact that not every patient suffers from cysts was a key reason to remove “Polycystic” from the name.

PMOS comes with potential fertility complications and increased risks of other conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer, and heart issues. It’s important to diagnose patients quickly and accurately so treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Care begins with supporting a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet and physical exercise. Medications can help manage the hormone imbalances, menstrual irregularity, and potential fertility impact of PMOS. 

How Case Management Helps Patients Manage PMOS and Other Chronic Conditions

If you’re dealing with a complex, chronic condition like PMOS, you don’t have to go it alone. Case management services are available to help patients understand their treatment options and connect them with services that can improve their quality of life.

Blue Cross VT members have free access to case management services as part of their benefits. When a need or challenge arises around physical or mental health, members can call for assistance. Because PMOS comes with an increased risk of other conditions, preventive care for these complications can be an important part of living with it. A case manager can help you coordinate this care.

Getting in touch with case management starts with a simple phone conversation to establish your medical history and current medications, along with any medical or mental health needs that aren’t being met. You set a goal and work together with the case manager to remove barriers stopping you from reaching it.

If you’re a Blue Cross VT member and want to learn more about case management:

• Visit our Case Management webpage
• Call (800) 922-8778 and select option 3
• Email healthsupport@bcbsvt.com