PCOS Has a New Name; Doctors Hope It Will Improve Care for Millions

PCOS Has a New Name; Doctors Hope It Will Improve Care for Millions

Author: Dr. Mercola August 5, 2026 Duration: 6:48
  • Doctors officially renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) because the old name focused too narrowly on ovarian cysts while ignoring the condition's widespread metabolic and hormone disruption
  • Researchers found that insulin resistance affects about 85% of women with PMOS, including many women with normal body weight, helping explain why symptoms like acne, irregular periods, facial hair growth, and weight gain often appear together
  • The condition is associated with increased risk of serious long-term health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke, showing that PMOS extends far beyond reproductive health
  • Gut dysfunction and chronic inflammation are linked to hormone imbalance in PMOS. Postbiotics from beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila may help strengthen the gut barrier, support insulin sensitivity, and calm inflammatory stress
  • Daily movement, whole-food carbohydrates, stress reduction, sunlight exposure, and lowering exposure to seed oils and hormone-disrupting plastics may support metabolic health in women with PMOS

Each week, Dr. Joseph Mercola-Take Control of Your Health offers a direct conversation about navigating the often-confusing world of wellness. Dr. Mercola brings decades of experience as a natural health advocate to these discussions, focusing on practical strategies that go beyond conventional approaches. The episodes dig into the interconnected areas of holistic health, physical fitness, and alternative methods for building resilience. You’ll hear detailed explorations of how everyday choices impact long-term vitality, with an emphasis on personal agency and evidence-informed alternatives. This isn’t about quick fixes but about understanding the underlying principles that can help you make better decisions for yourself and your family. The tone is straightforward and investigative, aiming to equip you with knowledge that is frequently overlooked. Tuning into this podcast feels like accessing a deep resource of non-mainstream health perspectives, all centered on the fundamental goal of sustainable well-being. It’s for anyone who feels that managing their health requires looking at the full picture, from nutrition and movement to the less obvious environmental factors. Dr. Mercola’s weekly insights serve as a catalyst for taking a more active, informed role in your own health journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Podcast Episodes
Why Pills Don't Fit Modern Life: The Burden of Too Many Capsules [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:14
The morning handful of capsules is a holdover from a slower era — nearly every other part of daily life has been simplified, but the pill routine never was The sheer number of capsules required for some nutritional suppl…
Why Plain Water May Fall Short for Rehydration After Heavy Sweat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:42
After heavy sweating, plain water doesn't fully replace what your body loses because sweat carries away sodium, potassium and other electrolytes that are necessary for proper hydration, muscle function and recovery In a…
An Arthritis Relief Strategy That Doesn't Come from a Pill Bottle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:40
More than 53 million Americans live with arthritis, yet regular physical activity is considered one of the most effective non-drug strategies for reducing pain, improving mobility, and supporting independence — without r…