We hear women of all ages say that they have “PCOS”, or polycystic ovary syndrome. In fact, about 170 million women globally have suffered under the effects of this condition. However, most people don’t know what the acronym stands for, much less what it implies. Those who do live with this condition are often diagnosed later, delayed treatment, provided fragmented or unspecific care, and in worse cases, stigmatized.
PCOS implies several things that aren’t true:
Myth: Existence of ovarian cysts
Truth: Not every woman who has PCOS presents with cysts, meaning diagnosis could be overlooked
Myth: PCOS only involves the ovaries & uterus
Truth: This condition is a metabolic, whole-body concern that effects the endocrine system (our hormones), reproductive system, psychological factors, and even our skin health
Myth: Fertility and natural conception is lessened or impossible
Truth: Women with PCOS can still conceive naturally, egg count is normal or even greater than average, irregular ovulation is often the greater barrier.
How renaming PCOS to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) helps women:
• Implies whole body affects
• Encourages quicker and more well-rounded diagnoses & treatment
• Leads providers to look into endocrine and overall metabolic health rather than just ovarian health or function
• Decreases reproductive stigma
• Supports long-term clinical care, research specificity, and health system coding/classification
The Power of Words: What does a simple name change do?
While the simple change of a name can seem insignificant, if we take a step back we will notice that everything in life, our attitudes, our emotions, our actions, all start with what we agree with and choose to believe. Words have power to shape ideas, create core beliefs, and impact our very being. We as the Moment of Truth Team have just recently began reading the book The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz. Although we have just started, his first chapter begins by discussing how we have all been brought up to believe things about the world around us, other people, and most importantly, ourselves.
As described above, we have noticed how a simple name of this very stigmatized and under researched diagnosis has impacted the livelihood of so many women. Here at MOT, we not only want you to be informed, educated, and healed physically, but we also want to empower you to heal mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Much Love,
Kaylen and Your Moment of Truth Team
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