PCOS gets a new name: What to know about the most common hormonal issue affecting women

PCOS has a new name -- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS for short.

PMOS is a condition that affects hormones, metabolism, and ovary function, often leading to irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and increased risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

A global consensus calling for the name change was published in The Lancet, based on input from more than 50 leading academic, clinical, and patient organizations, along with feedback from more than 14,000 women with the condition.

Experts say the old name was misleading, since it suggests ovarian cysts are the main issue when they are not actually a defining feature.

The new name, which is being adopted globally including the U.S., aims to improve diagnosis, reduce stigma, and better capture the full scope of the condition, the consensus statement says.

An estimated 5 million to 6 million women in the U.S. have PCOS (now PMOS), according to the Endocrine Society and the CDC. It affects up to 12% of American women of reproductive age, and as many as 70% of cases remain undiagnosed.

Research suggests this disease occurs at similar rates across racial groups, but Black and Hispanic women are more likely to have more severe metabolic complications and are less likely to be diagnosed early.

Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a practicing OBGYN and former ABC News' chief health and medical correspondent previously spoke with "Good Morning America" about how the condition can affect the body.

1. Reproductive problems

Having PCOS (now PMOS), can affect a woman's periods, causing them to occur too close to each other or too far apart. However, a woman can still have normal periods and be diagnosed with PMOS.

Despite what many people think, women with PMOS can and still do become biological mothers.

"Today with reproductive technology, seeing a reproductive endocrinologist, or REI specialist [a specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility], women with PCOS (now PMOS) absolutely can get pregnant," Ashton said.

2. Metabolic problems

For reasons not entirely understood yet, Ashton said women with PMOS have a five to seven times increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

It is critical for women with PMOS to maintain good nutrition and fitness practices as well as keeping their weight within a healthy range.

Because it's difficult for women with PMOS to metabolize carbohydrates, sticking to a low-carb diet might help improve some symptoms.

3. Acne and excess body hair

PMOS leads to high testosterone levels, which causes problems such as acne and excessive body hair.

"For women, the presence of acne on their back or chest is a red flag for PCOS (now PMOS)," Ashton said.

The good news is that there are a number of treatment options for hormonal acne to lower testosterone levels, such as birth control pills and topical creams.

Excessive body hair may also be seen a lot in women with PMOS but it can be tricky to diagnose. If a woman has excessive hair at the side of their face, chin, upper lip, neck, between the breast, around the nipple or upper inner thigh, those can be signs of PMOS.

Treatment options are available through birth control, creams and laser removal, among others.