The PCOS Name Change: Why PMOS Better Reflects the Whole-Body Condition
25:54
Host: Sandra Peebles
Published: July 31, 2026
Host: Sandra Peebles
Published: July 31, 2026
Polycystic ovary syndrome has long been associated mainly with irregular periods, ovarian cysts and fertility concerns. But the condition can also affect insulin resistance, weight, heart health, diabetes risk and other systems throughout the body—one reason the new name PMOS, or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, is gaining attention. Host Sandra Peebles talks with Baptist Health endocrinologist Dr. Priscilla Escalona Villasmil and obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Ingrid Paredes about what the name change means, how PMOS is diagnosed and why symptoms can look very different from one woman to another.
In this episode:
- Why the condition is about much more than ovarian cysts
- Common signs, including irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth and hair loss
- How doctors diagnose PMOS and rule out other hormonal conditions
- What PMOS means for ovulation, fertility and unplanned pregnancy
- The connection to insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular risk
- Treatment options, including lifestyle changes, birth control pills, metformin, spironolactone and GLP-1 medications
- Why early diagnosis and coordinated care can improve long-term health
Host: Sandra Peebles, award-winning journalist
Guests: Ingrid Paredes, M.D., Obstetrician/Gynecologist; and Priscilla Escalona Villasmil, M.D., Endocrinologist with
Baptist Health.
Featured Providers
Priscilla G. Escalona Villasmil, MD
Priscilla Escalona Villasmil, M.D., is a board-certified endocrinologist at Baptist Health and speaks fluent English and Spanish. Prior to joining Baptist Health in 2023, Dr. Escalona worked as an endocrinologist for seven years at Prisma Health in Greenville, SC. She also served as an assistant professor and course director for endocrinology at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville.
As part of her endocrinology practice, Dr. Escalona treats patients with diabetes, thyroid conditions, metabolic disorders, pituitary diseases, hormone therapy for gender transition and more. She has a special interest in advanced diabetes technology. Dr. Escalona speaks regularly at local and regional meetings, including discussing diabetes-related complications at health and wellness events.
Dr. Escalona received her medical degree from Universidad Centro-Occidental Lisandro Alvarado in Venezuela and graduated with honors. She completed her internal medicine residency at Carney Hospital, a Tufts University School of Medicine affiliate and earned a Best Teaching Resident award. She then continued her medical training by completing an endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism fellowship at Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.
Dr. Escalona believes that one of the most satisfying aspects of being an endocrinologist is establishing positive, long-term relationships with her patients. She considers it a privilege to provide support to patients throughout their lives and believes establishing a strong relationship is crucial to achieve better health outcomes.
In her free time, Dr. Escalona stays busy spending time with her family, traveling and enjoying outdoor activities such as cycling.
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