PCOS renamed PMOS, driving conversation about diagnosis and care

An actress’s comments about postpartum depression spark both praise and criticism.

After polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), social media users celebrated the change and shared stories about struggling to receive diagnoses and treatment. Other posts discussed an actress’s experience with postpartum depression (PPD), and some commenters suggested that PPD is not a legitimate mental health condition. In addition, a new study linking abortion bans to increased pregnancy-related deaths sparked debate about abortion laws. 

In response, communicators may highlight symptoms and treatment for PMOS and PMDD and share information about local abortion laws.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about reproductive health

On May 12, the Lancet published a paper renaming PCOS as PMOS. The paper argues that the new name more accurately reflects that PMOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition that does not necessarily lead to ovarian cysts. Social media users across platforms praised the name change and expressed hope that it will help patients receive more timely diagnoses and treatment. Many also shared personal stories about health care providers dismissing their PMOS symptoms.

On May 11, a podcast with approximately 5.58 million YouTube subscribers shared a video interview with actress Hayden Panettiere, who discussed her decision to give her ex-fiancé full custody of their daughter while experiencing PPD. Social media users shared clips from the interview across platforms, where commenters were largely supportive of Panettiere’s decision to prioritize her daughter’s well-being. Many also praised her for speaking openly about PPD and shared their own experiences with the condition. Some commenters accused Panettiere of using PPD as an “excuse” to “abandon” her child and suggested that it not a “real” mental health condition.

On May 13, the American Journal of Public Health published a study finding that abortion bans may be associated with an increase in pregnancy-related deaths. Social media users expressed concern about how increasing abortion restrictions are impacting maternal health, and some expressed fear that they could face delays in lifesaving miscarriage treatment in some states. Others alleged that the study was flawed and advocated for a federal abortion ban.

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Recommendations for public health professionals

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about reproductive health. 

Up to 70 percent of people with PMOS may not know they have the condition. The new name provides an opportunity to outline what PMOS is and how it’s treated. Communicators may explain that PMOS is a common condition that affects hormones. Symptoms may include irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, hair loss, weight gain, and infertility. Treatment may involve medication and lifestyle changes. Untreated PMOS may increase the risk of health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep disorder, certain reproductive cancers, and cardiovascular disease. People experiencing PMOS symptoms should talk to a health care provider.

In light of discussion about PPD, communicators may explain that PPD is a serious, potentially life-threatening mental health condition that impacts about one in eight people who give birth in the U.S. Messaging may highlight its symptoms and treatment options, including therapy and medication. Communicators may also share free and low-cost mental health resources for pregnant and postpartum people, including sliding scale therapy, support groups, local mental health centers, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, and the Postpartum Support International HelpLine.

Debate about abortion bans continues to fuel discussion online. Messaging may note that abortion bans have been associated with delays in lifesaving care for people experiencing miscarriage complications. Communicators may want to share information about local abortion laws and direct people to the Repro Legal Helpline, a free resource that connects people with lawyers who can answer questions about miscarriage, abortion, and birth. Messaging may also direct people to AbortionFinder.org, a database of reputable abortion providers, and Plan C, which offers information about accessing abortion pills. Communicators may note that for now, the abortion pill mifepristone can still be prescribed by telehealth and sent by mail as a case challenging telehealth access to the medication proceeds.