Health Watch: Wellness, Research & Healthy Living Tips
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been reclassified as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
- The new name recognizes the condition is more than ovarian cysts, a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting the whole body.
- Experts led by Professor Helena Teede at Monash University hope the rename will improve focus on treatment and reversing symptoms.
- Global health reporter Dorcas Wangira features patients Jenef Ngombo and Chelle Robotham, sharing personal views on the name change.
Available for over a year
PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women globally; affecting roughly 13% of women who have a menstrual cycle. The World Health Organization has estimated that up 70% of women with PCOS worldwide do not know they have this condition. Symptoms can include irregular periods, fertility issues, weight gain, acne, excess hair growth and insulin resistance. There is no cure.
And now Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is officially being reclassified as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
The new name reflects growing recognition that the condition involves much more than ovarian cysts alone. It’s actually a complex endocrine condition (to do with hormones) which affects the whole body. Experts hope that the name change will lead to a better focus on treating and reversing some of symptoms. Global health reporter Dorcas Wangira in Kenya explains what we know about the condition. And we hear from Professor Helena Teede, from Monash Univerity in Australia, who led the name-changing initiative.
Jenef Ngombo, 25 from the UK and Chelle Robotham, in Florida USA, share their experiences of PMOS/PCOS and tell us what they think about the name change.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producer: Shakira Abdi and Julia Ross-Roy
Editor: Verity Wilde
Read the full article on the original source
