A major new analysis of health insurance data from 2.4 million U.S. women, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, reveals that women with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) face a fourfold higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, compared to those without the condition.
Study Findings and Cardiovascular Risk
The research, which examined data collected between 2000 and 2022, represents the largest study to date exploring the link between PMOS—formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—and heart health. Researchers analyzed records from 413,450 pre-menopausal women with the condition, aged 18 to 50, and compared them against a control group of more than 2 million women without the diagnosis.
The study found that even after adjusting for traditional risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, a higher hazard
remained for those with the syndrome. According to the lead authors, reproductive endocrinologist Snigdha Alur-Gupta of the University of Rochester and University of Pennsylvania professor Anuja Dokras, the data indicates that traditional risk factors only account for about a third of the observed relationship between PMOS and arterial thickening.
Understanding the Shift from PCOS to PMOS
The condition, which affects approximately one in eight women, was recently renamed from PCOS to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. Helena Teede, who led the renaming initiative at the Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation, noted that the previous name was very inaccurate
.
“That disruption affects a whole body with many different manifestations. Hormone levels like insulin levels are associated with diabetes and heart disease, and they’re all increased in this condition.”
Professor Helena Teede, Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation
Advocates argue that the new name better reflects the systemic nature of the condition, which involves complex hormonal and metabolic disturbances. While the name change is not a medical treatment, experts suggest it is a necessary step toward faster diagnoses and more comprehensive, lifelong care.
Implications for Long-Term Patient Care
Natalie Raffoul, a senior manager at the Heart Foundation, highlighted that the research validates the need for proactive surveillance.
“Studies like this help us to recognise the lifelong care that is required after a diagnosis of PMOS, including regular screening for things like diabetes, which are well-known to be associated with the condition as well.”
Natalie Raffoul, Heart Foundation
According to Dr. Alur-Gupta and Professor Dokras, the research stresses the importance of routine heart health screening and preventative lifestyle measures, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, for all individuals diagnosed with the syndrome.
Global Prevalence and Diagnostic Challenges
PMOS remains a common but often misdiagnosed condition. While symptoms such as missed or irregular periods, acne, and excess body hair are often discussed, many patients go undiagnosed for years. In Australia, an estimated 500,000 women live with the condition. Globally, the syndrome affects approximately 170 million people.
Researchers caution that because the study was observational, it identified a strong association rather than definitive causation.
Next Steps for Patients and Providers
Patients are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers to discuss their individual risk profiles and establish a proactive, evidence-based screening plan.
Sources: Thetimes, ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
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