Polycystic ovarian syndrome, better known by the acronym SPOK or PCOS, is changing its name! Experts have in fact decided to rename it “SMOP” (metabolic ovarian polyendocrine syndrome), to better reflect the reality of this complex disease, which does not only affect the ovaries.
Why the term “polycystic ovary syndrome” is problematic
While this hormonal imbalance affects around one in ten women of childbearing age, it is still very poorly understood… and very poorly diagnosed. And its old name (PCOS) did nothing to help patients and healthcare professionals.
According to experts from the journal The Lancet, it was indeed confusing, because “that it implies the presence of pathological ovarian cysts, obscures the diversity of endocrine and metabolic characteristics, and contributes to delaying the diagnosis.
The term “polycystic ovaries” gave the impression that only the ovaries were affected, while the disease actually affects several functions of the body (moreover, the very term is misleading, since some women do not present these abnormalities on ultrasound).
“This condition actually affects the entire metabolism (insulin resistance, greater weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease), the endocrine system and mental health, with possible repercussions on stress, body image, depression or anxiety,” specifies Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical.
The hormonal system is also disrupted (excess androgens). Result: acne, excessive hair growth or hair loss may appear. Added to this are frequent psychological repercussions: anxiety, reduced self-esteem, chronic fatigue or depressive symptoms.
“Although international guidelines have advanced awareness and care, a name change was the next critical step toward recognizing and ameliorating the long-term consequences of this condition” says Helena Teede, an endocrinologist at Monash Health, led the renaming process.
For specialists, the new term “SMOP” therefore makes it possible to better describe the diversity of symptoms and the complexity of the disease.
A new name to improve diagnosis and management
This change in terminology is obviously not just “symbolic”: it should allow for better patient care, while reducing persistent preconceived ideas surrounding the disease.
In detail, this new name pursues three main objectives, according to Dr Gérald Kierzek:
- Better guide the diagnosis, by looking for metabolic, hormonal or cutaneous signs, and not just the presence of “cysts” on ultrasound;
- Reduce the stigma linked to the term “polycystic”;
- Improve the overall care of patients, by combining endocrinology, diabetology, nutrition, dermatology and mental health, while taking into account the great diversity of patient profiles (irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, acne, hirsutism, fatigue, etc.).
The term “SMOP” therefore encourages multidisciplinary management of the disease, bringing together gynecologists, endocrinologists, diabetologists, nutritionists, dermatologists and mental health professionals. Good news for all patients who have suffered in silence for too long.