A recent national article by Maria S. Charbonneau, PharmD, clinical assistant professor in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, is helping healthcare professionals understand an important change in how one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women is diagnosed, discussed, and treated.
Published by the Pharmacy Times, Charbonneau's article, "From Misnomer to Meaning: A Patient-Centered Shift from PCOS to PMOS," explores the international effort to rename polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
The change follows a global consensus process led by researchers and clinicians who argued that the name PCOS no longer accurately reflects the condition's complexity. While often viewed primarily as a reproductive health disorder, PMOS encompasses a wide range of endocrine, metabolic, and cardiovascular health concerns, including insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, infertility, sleep apnea, and increased cardiovascular risk.
"Names matter in healthcare," said Charbonneau. "When a condition's name focuses on only one aspect of a disease, it can create misunderstandings that affect awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. PMOS better reflects the full scope of the condition and the many ways it can impact patients' health."
According to Charbonneau, misconceptions surrounding PCOS have contributed to significant underdiagnosis and delayed care. Despite affecting millions of women worldwide, studies estimate that as many as 70 percent of affected individuals remain undiagnosed.
The transition to PMOS is intended to improve understanding among healthcare providers and patients by emphasizing the syndrome's broader endocrine and metabolic effects. Importantly, diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations remain unchanged during the transition period.
Charbonneau notes that pharmacists will play a critical role in helping patients and healthcare teams navigate the change.
"Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and often serve as educators for both patients and providers," she explained. "As the medical community adopts this new terminology, pharmacists can help reduce confusion, reinforce evidence-based care, and advocate for appropriate screening of associated cardiometabolic risks."
At Western New England University, Charbonneau's scholarship reflects the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences' commitment to advancing patient-centered care and preparing future healthcare professionals to respond to evolving clinical practice and scientific understanding.
The article also highlights the growing role pharmacists play in managing complex chronic conditions that extend beyond traditional medication dispensing. As treatment plans for PMOS are individualized and often address multiple health concerns simultaneously, effective care requires collaboration among pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
"Healthcare is constantly evolving," said Charbonneau. "Our responsibility as educators is to ensure the next generation of pharmacists understands not only the science behind these changes but also how they improve patient outcomes and quality of care."
Through research, teaching, and professional engagement, Western New England University faculty continue to contribute to national conversations on healthcare innovation while preparing students to address the challenges of modern clinical practice.
