Can a name change transform PCOS outcomes for women?

About this episode

The episode discusses the renaming of polycystic ovary syndrome to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome and its implications for women.

After more than a decade of global consultation, polycystic ovary syndrome – which affects as many as one in eight women – has been renamed. The condition is caused by high levels of androgens, which can lead to symptoms such as excess hair, weight gain and irregular periods. To understand why campaigners wanted it renamed, and what its new name – polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) – could mean for patients, Madeleine Finlay hears from the Guardian’s science correspondent, Nicola Davis, and Rachel, a campaigner from the charity Verity. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

People in this episode

Host: Madeleine Finlay

Guests: Nicola Davis, Rachel

Topics covered

• PCOS
• health
• women's health
• medical terminology
• campaigns
• endocrinology

Keywords

• PCOS
• polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome
• women's health
• androgens
• health outcomes
• campaigners
• Verity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Verity, The Guardian

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