September is PCOS Awareness Month, a time to recognize the people living with polycystic ovary syndrome and raise awareness about the need for better understanding, research and care.

Earlier this year, polycystic ovary syndrome was renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). For Elizabeth Zibilich, who lives with the condition, the change feels like a step toward a more complete understanding of what people with PMOS experience.

“I’m happy about PCOS being renamed to PMOS because it feels like a step toward deeper research and more accurate treatment,” Elizabeth says.

The name PCOS has long focused attention on ovarian cysts, but the condition can involve much more. Elizabeth points to challenges such as insulin resistance, inflammation, weight changes and other long-term health effects.

She hopes the new name will encourage researchers and health care professionals to look more closely at the full scope of PMOS and what may be driving these health challenges.

For Elizabeth, this is about more than research. It is also about access to care.

In her own experience, she has been denied medications and treatments that she believes could help because they were not considered necessary or were not covered under existing guidelines. She hopes a better understanding of PMOS can eventually lead to changes in how treatment is evaluated and covered.

“A name that better reflects the full scope of the disorder could help shift medical research toward understanding the root causes instead of just managing symptoms,” Elizabeth says.

This PCOS Awareness Month, Elizabeth’s perspective is a reminder that changes in how we understand and talk about a condition can have real implications for the people living with it. More research, more accurate treatment and better access to care can help ensure people with PMOS receive the support they need. Want to learn more? Watch OAC’s Health Talk episode for more information and insights.