New Delhi, May 23 -- Last week, a piece of news on women's health made headlines. It was about renaming polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The new nomenclature is comprehensive, including the terms "polyendocrine" and "metabolic" shifts the focus from just cysts and reproductive hormones, and acknowledges that the condition affects multiple hormone systems in the whole body. Women and health practitioners hope the renaming will lead to a better understanding of this complex condition, and have a positive impact on their personal well-being as well as on healthcare policy.

Gynaecologist Shweta Mendiratta of Yatharth Hospital, Faridabad, believes the change could impact policy. "The evolu...