Month: May 2026

Pelvic pain. Heavy periods. A bloated feeling you can’t explain. These are symptoms that bring thousands of women to their gynaecologist every year — and more often than not, the two conditions behind them are ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.

Both are incredibly common. Both are frequently misunderstood. And because their symptoms can overlap, many women spend weeks — or months — worrying about which one they have, what it means, and whether it’s serious.

This guide breaks it all down: what each condition actually is, how to tell the difference, and — most importantly — when to stop waiting and see a doctor.

What Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovaries. The most common type — functional cysts — develop as a normal part of the menstrual cycle and usually disappear on their own within a few weeks to months. They are almost always benign.

There are several types of ovarian cysts:

• Follicular cysts — form when a follicle doesn’t release an egg during ovulation
• Corpus luteum cysts — develop when the follicle seals after releasing an egg and fills with fluid
• Endometriomas — linked to endometriosis, often called “chocolate cysts” due to their dark fluid content
• Dermoid cysts — contain tissue like hair or skin; less common but may require removal

Most ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all and are discovered during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. When symptoms do appear, they tend to include bloating, a dull ache on one side of the lower abdomen, or discomfort during periods or intercourse.

If you’re experiencing irregular or painful periods, an ovarian cyst may be contributing — and it’s worth getting checked.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids — medically known as leiomyomas or uterine fibroids — are solid, non-cancerous growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or on the wall of the uterus. They are the most common benign tumour in women of reproductive age, with studies from India showing a prevalence of around 20% among women aged 30–39.

Unlike cysts, fibroids are solid (not fluid-filled) and grow in the uterus, not the ovaries. They can be as small as a seed or grow to the size of a grapefruit — and a woman can have more than one at a time.

Common fibroid symptoms include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Pelvic pressure or fullness
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
• Lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Anaemia from blood loss

Fibroids are strongly influenced by oestrogen levels, which is why they tend to grow during reproductive years and often shrink after menopause. Factors like obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, and a diet high in refined carbohydrates — all prevalent concerns in urban India — may increase the risk.

Ovarian Cysts vs Fibroids: The Key Differences

Here’s a simple breakdown of the difference between fibroids and ovarian cysts:

	Ovarian Cysts	Uterine Fibroids
Location	Ovaries	Uterus
Composition	Fluid-filled	Solid (muscle & fibrous tissue)
Who is affected	Any age; common in reproductive years	Most common in women aged 30–50
Menstrual impact	Mild or none	Often heavy, prolonged bleeding
Pain pattern	One-sided, sudden if ruptured	Pelvic pressure, dull, persistent
Fertility impact	Can affect ovulation	Can affect implantation
Resolves on its own?	Often yes (functional cysts)	Rarely without treatment
Diagnosed by	Ultrasound ± CA-125 blood test	Ultrasound, MRI

One key distinguishing clue: pain location. Ovarian cyst pain tends to be felt on one specific side of the lower abdomen. Fibroid-related discomfort is usually more central — a heaviness or pressure across the pelvis rather than a sharp, localised ache.

Can You Have Both at the Same Time?

Yes — and it’s more common than many people realise. Ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids can coexist, and both are driven partly by hormonal imbalance, particularly elevated oestrogen levels. Women with conditions like PMOS (formerly PCOS), endometriosis, or obesity may be more prone to developing both simultaneously.

This overlap in causes is exactly why a thorough clinical evaluation — including a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and sometimes blood tests — is essential. Self-diagnosing based on symptoms alone is not reliable.

When Should You Worry? Red Flag Symptoms

Most ovarian cysts and many fibroids are manageable and not dangerous. However, certain symptoms should prompt you to seek care promptly:

See a doctor urgently if you experience:

• Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain — this could indicate a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion (a medical emergency)
• Heavy bleeding soaking through pads or tampons rapidly
• Fever alongside pelvic pain
• Significant bloating that doesn’t resolve
• Difficulty urinating or a feeling of bladder pressure

See a doctor soon if you notice:

• Periods consistently lasting more than 7 days
• Anaemia symptoms (fatigue, dizziness, pallor) due to heavy bleeding
• Difficulty conceiving — both conditions can impact fertility
• Pelvic pain that disrupts daily life or sleep
• Bloating or abdominal swelling that feels new or worsening

In India, a significant proportion of women delay seeking care because they normalise heavy bleeding or pelvic discomfort as “just periods.” This is something Dr. Anuja Ojha at CareForHer actively addresses — early diagnosis can make a significant difference in your treatment options and long-term outcomes. Regular routine check-ups and prevention care are the simplest way to catch these conditions before they escalate.

How Are They Diagnosed and Treated?

Diagnosis for both conditions typically starts with a pelvic exam followed by a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound. An MRI may be ordered for fibroids before surgery. For suspicious cysts, a CA-125 blood test may be added to rule out malignancy — though a high CA-125 does not automatically mean cancer.

Treatment depends on size, symptoms, age, and whether you’re planning a pregnancy:

• Watchful waiting — for small, asymptomatic cysts or fibroids; monitored with regular ultrasounds
• Hormonal therapy — to manage symptoms and regulate oestrogen levels; explore Menopause & Hormonal Therapy options at CareForHer
• Medication — pain management, iron supplements for anaemia, or hormonal drugs to shrink fibroids
• Minimally invasive surgery — laparoscopy for cyst removal, or myomectomy for fibroids while preserving fertility; see our Gynaecological Surgeries & Procedures page for more
• Hysterectomy — considered only in severe cases or when childbearing is complete

If pelvic pain is a persistent concern, our Pelvic Health & Urinary Disorders service can also provide specialist evaluation.

Getting the Right Diagnosis in Goregaon, Mumbai

If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms above — heavy periods, pelvic pain, unexplained bloating, or difficulty conceiving — the right next step is a proper gynaecological evaluation, not a Google search.

At Care For Her in Goregaon East, Dr. Anuja Ojha offers comprehensive assessment for ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and related conditions — with a patient-first approach, ultrasound facilities, and personalised treatment plans.

Book a consultation with Dr. Anuja Ojha — Gynaecologist in Goregaon East →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main difference between ovarian cysts and fibroids?

The key difference lies in location and composition. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovaries. Uterine fibroids are solid, non-cancerous growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue that form in or on the wall of the uterus. Despite overlapping symptoms like pelvic pain and bloating, they are distinct conditions requiring different management approaches.

Q2. Can ovarian cysts or fibroids cause infertility?

Yes, both conditions can affect fertility. Large ovarian cysts — particularly endometriomas — can disrupt ovulation. Fibroids, depending on their location and size, can interfere with embryo implantation or block the fallopian tubes. However, many women with either condition conceive successfully with the right treatment. Learn more about Infertility Treatment at CareForHer.

Q3. How do I know if my pelvic pain is from a cyst or a fibroid?

You can’t reliably tell from symptoms alone — an ultrasound is needed for a definitive answer. That said, one-sided lower abdominal pain is more characteristic of an ovarian cyst, while a dull, central pelvic pressure or heaviness is more typical of fibroids. Sudden, severe pain may indicate a ruptured cyst and requires urgent medical attention.

Q4. Do ovarian cysts go away on their own?

Functional ovarian cysts — the most common type — often resolve on their own within one to three menstrual cycles without treatment. However, other types (endometriomas, dermoid cysts) are unlikely to disappear without intervention. Your doctor will monitor cyst size and type with follow-up ultrasounds to guide the decision.

Q5. Are fibroids cancerous?

Uterine fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous). Malignant transformation — where a fibroid becomes cancerous — is extremely rare, occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 cases. However, any rapidly growing or unusual growth should be evaluated by a specialist to rule out other conditions.

Q6. At what age do fibroids and ovarian cysts typically appear?

Ovarian cysts can develop at any age but are most common during reproductive years. Fibroids are most frequently diagnosed in women between 30 and 50 years of age, with risk declining significantly after menopause. Women in their late 20s and 30s in particular should be proactive about routine gynaecological check-ups.

Q7. Can I have both ovarian cysts and fibroids at the same time?

Yes. Both conditions share hormonal risk factors — particularly elevated oestrogen — and can coexist in the same woman. Conditions like PMOS (formerly PCOS) and endometriosis can increase this likelihood. A comprehensive ultrasound evaluation is the only way to identify both accurately.

Citations & References

1. Healthline. Fibroid vs Cyst: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment. healthline.com 
2. Business Standard Health. Ovarian cysts and fibroids: What experts want every woman to know. Published March 31, 2026. business-standard.com 
3. Pristyn Care. Fibroids Vs Cyst — Key Differences, Symptoms & Treatments. Updated January 2026. pristyncare.com 
4. HCA Midwest Health. Differences Between Uterine Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts. Published March 2026. hcamidwest.com 
5. Mark Medical Care. Fibroids vs. Ovarian Cysts: How to Tell the Difference. Published March 2026. markmedicalcare.com 
6. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Predictors and symptomatic burden of uterine fibroids among women in South-Eastern India. ijrcog.org 

 

If you’ve been living with PCOS — or have been trying to get a diagnosis — you may have recently heard a big piece of news: PCOS has officially been renamed PMOS. Published in The Lancet on May 12, 2026, this isn’t a rebranding exercise. It’s the result of over a decade of research, patient advocacy, and global scientific consensus involving more than 14,000 patients and healthcare professionals worldwide.

So what does this mean for you? Let’s break it down.

What Is PMOS? Understanding the New Name

PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome — and that name change is more meaningful than it looks.

The old name, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), implied that the condition was primarily about ovarian cysts. The problem? Most women with this condition don’t actually have cysts. What they do have is a complex hormonal disorder that affects multiple systems — insulin regulation, androgen levels, the neuroendocrine system, metabolism, skin, mental health, and fertility.

The new name, PMOS, reflects all of that. “Polyendocrine” acknowledges that multiple hormonal systems are involved. “Metabolic” recognises the deep link to insulin resistance, blood sugar regulation, and weight. “Ovarian” keeps the reproductive component in the picture without reducing the entire condition to it.

Why Was the Name Changed? A Decade of Advocacy

The name change didn’t happen overnight. It followed an 11-year global effort — workshops, surveys, Delphi consensus methods, and input from 56 leading academic, clinical, and patient organisations. The final name was chosen from three candidates, with PMOS winning decisively.

The core problem with the old name was stigma and misdiagnosis. Women were told they “had cysts” when they didn’t. Symptoms like irregular periods, hair growth, weight gain, and infertility were often dismissed because they didn’t “look like” an ovarian disease. Nearly 70% of women with the condition had never received a diagnosis — a staggering figure for a condition affecting 1 in 8 women globally.

The new name aims to fix that at a systemic level — changing how the condition is classified in medical education, clinical guidelines, and international disease coding systems.

What Stays the Same: Your Symptoms, Your Diagnosis

Here’s the reassurance you need: your diagnosis is still valid. If you were diagnosed with PCOS, you now have PMOS. The diagnostic criteria — the Rotterdam criteria — remain in place during the transition period. The symptoms you experience haven’t changed; only the language used to describe and understand them has.

The common features of PMOS include:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles — managed through Menstrual Disorder care
• Elevated androgen levels (leading to acne, hair growth, or hair loss)
• Insulin resistance and metabolic disruption
• Difficulty with ovulation and fertility challenges
• Mood changes and mental health impact
• Weight changes and difficulty managing weight

If you’re already on a treatment plan — whether that’s hormonal therapy, metformin, lifestyle changes, or ovulation induction — nothing changes immediately. Your doctor will continue to guide your care as implementation of the new terminology rolls out over the next three years.

What’s Different: The Bigger Picture for Women’s Health

The name change matters beyond terminology. By framing PMOS as a metabolic and endocrine disorder, it shifts the focus from “ovary problem” to whole-body health. This has real implications:

More accurate diagnosis: Doctors looking for a hormonal and metabolic disorder are more likely to identify it earlier — even in women who don’t have visible ovarian changes.

Better long-term monitoring: PMOS is now formally linked to risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and pregnancy complications. This means more comprehensive routine health monitoring should become part of standard care.

Reduced stigma: The association with “cysts” and body image has long caused unnecessary shame. The new name centres the science, not a misleading anatomical image.

Adolescent recognition: Girls experiencing symptoms at puberty may now be identified earlier. Conditions affecting teenagers are part of dedicated adolescent and puberty care.

PCOD vs PCOS vs PMOS: Clearing the Confusion

In India, the terms PCOD and PCOS are often used interchangeably — though they differ in severity. With the introduction of PMOS, here’s a simple way to think about it:

• PCOD — a milder hormonal imbalance with immature egg release; often manageable with lifestyle changes
• PCOS/PMOS — a more complex, chronic endocrine and metabolic condition requiring long-term management

If you’ve been told you have PCOD, it’s worth speaking to your gynaecologist about whether a more complete hormonal evaluation is needed. At CareForHer, Dr. Anuja Ojha offers thorough assessment and personalised care for women in Goregaon, Mumbai and surrounding areas.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following, consult a specialist:

• Irregular periods or cycles longer than 35 days
• Unexplained weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
• Excess facial or body hair, or hair thinning on the scalp
• Persistent acne that doesn’t respond to standard treatment
• Difficulty conceiving

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early diagnosis and management of PMOS can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications including diabetes and hormonal imbalances. You can also explore sexual and reproductive health services at our clinic for a holistic evaluation.

Book a consultation with Dr. Anuja Ojha at Care For Her, Goregaon East — a trusted gynaecologist in Goregaon, Mumbai with 20 years of experience in women’s hormonal and reproductive health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is PMOS the same as PCOS?

Yes. PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is the new official name for what was previously called PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). The condition, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria remain the same. Only the name and its framing have changed to better reflect the condition’s true nature.

Q2. Why was PCOS renamed to PMOS?

The old name was scientifically inaccurate — most women with PCOS do not have ovarian cysts. The term also failed to capture the metabolic and hormonal complexity of the condition, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. After an 11-year global process involving over 14,000 people, PMOS was chosen as the more accurate and comprehensive name.

Q3. Do I need a new diagnosis if I already have PCOS?

No. Your existing diagnosis carries over automatically. There is a three-year transition period during which both names will be used in clinical settings, so you may see both terms in medical records and prescriptions.

Q4. Does the name change affect my treatment plan?

Not immediately. Current treatments  including hormonal therapy, insulin sensitisers like metformin, lifestyle interventions, and ovulation induction — remain the same. However, the broader framing of PMOS may lead to more comprehensive long-term monitoring, especially for metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Q5. What does PMOS full form mean?

PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. “Polyendocrine” refers to involvement of multiple hormonal systems; “Metabolic” highlights the insulin and metabolic dysfunction central to the condition; “Ovarian” acknowledges its impact on reproductive function.

Q6. Can PMOS affect fertility?

Yes. PMOS is one of the leading causes of ovulatory infertility. However, with the right diagnosis and treatment, many women with PMOS conceive successfully. Learn more about Infertility Treatment at CareForHer.

Citations & References

1. 1. Teede HJ, Bahri Khomami M, Morman R, et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. The Lancet. Published online May 12, 2026. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8
   2. Endocrine Society. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: New name to improve diagnosis and care of condition affecting 170 million women worldwide. Published May 12, 2026. endocrine.org
   3. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Global Experts Rename Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Published May 2026. news.cuanschutz.edu
   4. STAT News. PCOS is now called PMOS. The renaming process lasted a decade. Published May 12, 2026. statnews.com
   5. The Conversation. From PCOS to PMOS: What the name change to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome means for women’s health. Published May 2026. theconversation.com