Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common but complex heterogeneous endocrine disorder characterized by androgen excess, insulin resistance, and ovulatory dysfunction, presenting challenges in diagnosis and management. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years and beyond, into later stages of life. PCOS occurs when inappropriate hormonal signaling leads to higher than normal androgen levels and other hormonal imbalances. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects all areas of the body, not just the reproductive system. Learn about PCOS symptoms and treatment options. PCOS is now called PMOS, which stands for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. PCOS has been renamed PMOS to better reflect its metabolic and hormonal effects beyond reproductive health. PMOS affects about 1 in 8 women worldwide, but up to 70% of cases remain undiagnosed. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is the new name for the condition previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which impacts 1 in 8, or more than 170 million women worldwide. PCOS never fully goes away, but the symptoms can improve over time or with treatment. For example, menopause can cause hormonal changes that relieve PCOS symptoms. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a hormone health issue that starts to show signs in women of childbearing age. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome used to be called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If you have PMOS, you may not have periods very often. Or you may have periods that last many days. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is caused by an imbalance of sex hormones and is characterized by ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and excess hair growth. Many people with PCOS are undiagnosed. PCOS is a common hormone problem in women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS may not ovulate, and have abnormal hormone levels. They may experience missed or irregular periods, excess hair growth and weight gain around the belly. PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility, meaning that the infertility results from the absence of ovulation. Many women don't find out that they have PCOS until they have trouble getting pregnant. Women with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms that may seem unrelated to ovaries.