Why renaming my health condition could help other women

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Why renaming my health condition could help other women2 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleShehnaz KhanWest MidlandsRochelle LewisRochelle Lewis, 31, was diagnosed with the condition last yearFor Rochelle Lewis, it took years to confirm the reason why she had pains, excessive facial hair, bloatedness - and it was "absolutely devastating" when she found out it could affect her chances of being a mother. She was one of more than 170 million women globally to be diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition in which they have higher levels of male hormones in their bodies. Lewis got her diagnosis last February which she said was a "long time coming" following years of symptoms and tests.

She was told it could affect her chances of becoming pregnant, leaving her feeling "like my whole world had come to an end". "One of the things that I've always wanted in life was to become a mum," she added. "When you have an idea of your life and how it's going to pan out from a little girl, to then be told 'actually, the one thing that you want most is most likely not going to happen'.

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It's absolutely devastating. "Lewis, who was inspired by her experiences to set up her own wellness business, was later able to conceive her son, who is now three months old. Getty ImagesPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) in MayEarlier this month, the condition was renamed, from PCOS to to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), with the International PCOS Network saying they hoped the change would improve understanding and help with treatment and diagnoses.

For Lewis, who was going "back and forth" to doctors from around the age of 18, she hoped the name change would "open the door" to more women being diagnosed quickly, but was not convinced it would bring about wider change. "I just think that we get told that you have PCOS and you get left to it," the 31-year-old, from Birmingham, said. The NHS says the common condition affects up to one in 10 women in the UK with symptoms including irregular periods, excess hair growth and weight gain.

PCOS name change 'more representative of condition'Kate Morris, from the charity Verity PCOS, said she hoped the change would lead to more women being referred to specialists who recognise its endocrine and metabolic nature. "It will give patients the leverage to say... 'it's in the name, what's happening to me is metabolic and endocrinological'," she said.

The hormonal disorder, which has no cure other than treatment to alleviate some symptoms, features higher levels of male hormones in the body and can result in difficulty getting pregnant. PCOS/PMOS is also associated with high insulin levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in later life, the NHS said.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.