Recently, the topic of renaming Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has attracted widespread attention in academic and clinical fields both domestically and internationally. To objectively sort out industry consensus, coordinate naming standardization work, and take into account the pathological nature of diseases, clinical application habits, and the need for unified academic exchange at home and abroad, a special investigation was conducted on PCOS renaming. The results of this investigation and a summary of phased work are presented as follows:
This special research on PCOS renaming covered senior domestic experts, local experts, and patient groups, with clear divergences in core opinions.
1. Opposition to the renaming: Half of the senior industry experts do not support the PCOS renaming. Although the term PCOS does not fully match some of the latest clinical manifestations and pathological mechanisms, it has been used for many years and is deeply popularized, deeply rooted in clinical diagnosis and treatment, patient cognition, academic exchange, and industry applications. Changing the term can easily cause confusion in clinical and academic understanding.
2. Support for renaming suggestions: Experts supporting the renaming have proposed two Chinese alternative names for PMOS based on the core pathological features of the disease's endocrine and metabolic pathology: ovarian endocrine metabolic syndrome and endocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome.
In this survey of PCOS patients, regional cognitive differences were significant, and overall consensus was not yet reached. Most patients in northern China do not support name changes; due to long-term diagnostic and treatment habits, they are more receptive to traditional PCOS names; Most patients in the south agree with the renaming and iteration of the disease, believing that comprehensive health management is necessary. Among the alternative Chinese names, Ovarian Endocrine Metabolic Syndrome has become the preferred option most widely accepted by patient groups.
China's medical professional terminology changes follow a standardized statutory approval process: first, relevant specialized branches of the Chinese Medical Association conduct research and academic evaluation, forming research reports, the basis for renaming, and alternative term schemes; Subsequently, submit the full set of materials to the Medical Terminology Approval Subcommittee of the National Committee for the Approval of Scientific and Technical Terms for preliminary review; The review body organizes expert re-examination and publicly announces opinions to the industry; After passing the review, the case is reported to the Legal Affairs Division of the National Health Commission for administrative approval filing; After all reviews are completed, the National Committee for the Approval of Scientific and Technical Terms will officially issue the standardized term. Once the new name takes effect, it will be uniformly implemented and applied in national textbooks, clinical guidelines, and daily diagnosis and treatment.
Given current research differences and the fact that official approval for renaming has not yet been completed, the textbook compilation, guideline revision, and revision adopt a transitional approach of "retaining the old name while marking the new name," balancing industry stability with academic foresight:
1. Textbook Compilation: The new edition of medical textbooks continues to use the classic PCOS naming and also notes PMOS renaming and related research progress, objectively presenting industry academic trends.
2. China PCOS Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines: The updated PCOS China guideline retains the main body names and diagnosis and treatment systems of PCOS but is simultaneously included in the PMOS renaming proposal, objectively presenting industry controversies and future directions for the renaming.
5. Summary
Based on the results of this survey, there is still no unified consensus on PCOS renaming in China. There are significant differences in understanding among experts and patient groups, and medical term renaming requires a multi-level legal approval process. At this stage, the conditions for a full renaming are not yet available. Based on survey data, "Ovarian Endocrine Metabolic Syndrome" is the most widely recognized Chinese name for PMOS.
Therefore, at this stage, a transitional model of "PCOS as the universal standard name, PMOS as a potential iterative academic name" is being implemented, which not only ensures the stability of domestic clinical, teaching, and research work, but also keeps pace with international trends in disease naming updates, leaving academic space for subsequent standardized term revisions.
Gynecologic Endocrinology Group, Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association
June 3, 2026
Editor:lucy