Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is now being referred to as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, a name that puts the condition’s metabolic and ovarian aspects more explicitly into focus.
The terminology change comes as health and wellness brand New Moon brings student leaders and young advocates together for “LET’S TALK! PERIOD.: Breaking the Silence on PMOS & Women’s Health,” held in celebration of PMOS Awareness Month in partnership with Modess and Fruity by LoveYourself.
Dr. Sheryl R. Santiago-Alavado poses with representatives from New Moon, Modess, and Fruity by LoveYourself after receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for sharing her expertise on PMOS and women’s health.
At the gathering, students heard from an OB-GYN about PMOS, menstrual and hormonal health, and when it may be time to seek professional care. They were also encouraged to share what they learned with their schools, organizations, and communities.
Dr. Sheryl R. Santiago-Alavado, who practices obstetrics and gynecology, explained why she sees the shift to PMOS as a more accurate way of describing the condition.
“Binago na, and I’m very thankful for this change. Kasi before, ‘pag sinabing PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome, ‘hala, may cyst ako!’ Nawala na ‘yong focus na patient ko. Do’n na siya nag-focus sa cyst! Eh, you can have PCOS na wala kayong cyst. You can have PCOS na malinis ang ultrasound mo,” she said.
“And as a syndrome, you have to [meet] certain criteria. So, the name change is very important. Timely rin, ‘no, sa pag-celebrate natin ng PCOS Awareness Month.”
Let’s Talk! Period.
Santiago-Alavado explained that the new name points to concerns that extend beyond the ovaries.
“From polycystic ovary syndrome, naging polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. So, ano ang ibig sabihin no’n? Ang problema, hindi lang hanggang ovaries. Kasama na ‘yong unexplained weight gain, kasama na ‘yong acne, thinning hair, ‘yong pag-develop ng bigote. Plus, unfortunately, in some women, ‘yong hirap magbuntis.”
The discussion also brought in women who have spoken publicly about their own experiences with the condition. Miss Universe Philippines 2026 and “Face of New Moon” Bea Millan-Windorski shared that she was diagnosed with PMOS. She and Jasmine Dudley-Scales, a New Moon product user and healthy-lifestyle advocate, discussed the benefits they experienced after incorporating the brand’s Hormo Balance food supplement into their routines alongside lifestyle changes.
Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski
Their experiences are among those featured in New Moon’s PMOS docu-series, which follows women at different stages of life. The stories include a woman on a long-term journey to conceive, another who became pregnant while navigating PMOS, and a young professional managing the condition alongside her career and everyday life.
For the student participants, the discussion was meant to continue beyond the gathering, with the lessons and information shared back in their respective schools and communities.
The change from PCOS to PMOS puts the metabolic and ovarian aspects of the condition directly into its name, giving women a fuller picture of how it can affect their health.
