Diagnosing PCOS: Tests and Procedures You Should Know

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide. But despite its prevalence, PCOS can be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms often resemble those of other conditions. Understanding the right tests and procedures to perform is essential to ensure an early and accurate diagnosis, which can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

 

In this blog, we will tell you about the different tests and procedures used to diagnose PCOS. Whether you suspect you have PCOS or you are looking for more information on how to confirm the diagnosis, this article covers everything from blood tests to ultrasound procedures.

 

Stay with us to learn how doctors diagnose PCOS and what steps you can take to get a proper diagnosis. Knowledge is power, and being informed about PCOS is the first step towards managing it effectively.

What Is PCOS?

Before we dive into the diagnosis process, it is important to understand what PCOS is. PCOS is a condition that affects the ovaries and hormone levels, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and sometimes weight gain. Women with PCOS may also struggle with infertility due to irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation. PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Why Early Diagnosis Is Important

Diagnosing PCOS early is important as it helps control symptoms and reduces the risk of developing more serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer. Many women suffer for years without understanding the root cause of their symptoms, so getting the right diagnosis can be life-changing.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

• Irregular or missed menstrual periods: Irregular menstrual cycles are a hallmark of PCOS.
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism): especially on the face, chest, and back.
• Acne and oily skin: Hormonal imbalance can lead to skin problems.
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight: Many women with PCOS experience trouble maintaining a healthy weight.
• Thinning of hair: There may be a problem of hair loss or thinning on the head.

PCOS Diagnosis: Tests and Procedures

To accurately diagnose PCOS, doctors perform a variety of tests and assessments. There is no single test that can confirm PCOS, so a variety of tests help form a clear picture.

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

The first step in diagnosing PCOS is to discuss your symptoms and medical history with your doctor. The doctor may ask about your menstrual cycle, any abnormal hair growth, weight changes or difficulty getting pregnant. A physical exam may be performed to check for symptoms of PCOS, such as acne, excess body hair and insulin resistance indicators such as dark spots on the skin.

2. Blood Tests

Blood tests play an important role in diagnosing PCOS. They help identify hormone imbalances and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. The most common blood tests include:

 

• Androgen Levels: High levels of androgens (male hormones such as testosterone) are often associated with PCOS. Increased androgen levels can cause symptoms such as excess body hair and acne.

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): These hormones are essential for regulating the menstrual cycle. In women with PCOS, the ratio of LH to FSH is often high.

• Insulin and Glucose Levels: Since many women with PCOS are insulin resistant, doctors may check for abnormal insulin and blood sugar levels. This can also help diagnose insulin resistance and prediabetes.

• Thyroid Function Tests: Since thyroid disorders can mimic some PCOS symptoms, thyroid function is tested to rule out other causes.

• Prolactin Levels: Elevated levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, can also disrupt the menstrual cycle. Testing for this ensures that the problem is not related to any other hormonal imbalance.

3. Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is the main imaging test used to diagnose PCOS. During an ultrasound, the doctor examines your ovaries and uterus to check for abnormalities. In women with PCOS, the ovaries may contain many small cysts, which are immature egg follicles. The ovaries may also be enlarged.

 

A transvaginal ultrasound may be performed to get a closer look at the ovaries. While the presence of cysts is a common sign of PCOS, it is important to note that not all women with PCOS have cysts, and not all ovarian cysts are associated with PCOS. Therefore, an ultrasound is usually part of a larger diagnostic strategy.

4. Measuring Waist-to-Hip Ratio

Since obesity and weight gain are associated with PCOS, your doctor may also measure your waist-to-hip ratio. Women with PCOS tend to have an "apple-shaped" body, meaning they carry more weight around their belly. This measurement can help assess insulin resistance and heart disease risk.

5. Endometrial Biopsy (In Rare Cases)

In rare cases, an endometrial biopsy may be performed to check for abnormal uterine lining changes, especially if you have had irregular menstrual periods or missed periods for a long time. PCOS can increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia or even cancer, making this procedure necessary in specific circumstances.

How to Diagnose PCOS: Criteria Used

Doctors use the Rotterdam criteria to diagnose PCOS. According to this guideline, a PCOS diagnosis is confirmed when a woman has at least two of the following three criteria:

 

• Irregular or Absent Ovulation: This usually manifests as irregular menstrual periods or absence of menstrual periods.

• Elevated Androgen Levels: It can be detected through symptoms such as excessive hair growth or high androgen levels in a blood test.

• Polycystic Ovaries: These ovaries, visible with ultrasound, contain 12 or more follicles and may appear larger than normal.

What Happens After Diagnosis?

Once PCOS is diagnosed, your doctor will discuss treatment options based on your specific symptoms and goals. These may include:

 

• Lifestyle Changes: Modifications to diet and exercise may improve symptoms and help with weight management.

• Medications: Depending on your needs, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to regulate your menstrual cycle or medications like metformin to control insulin resistance.

• Fertility Treatments: If you're trying to conceive, treatments such as Clomid or IVF may be recommended.

Conclusion

Diagnosing PCOS requires a complete understanding of your symptoms and a combination of multiple tests. Early diagnosis is essential to manage the symptoms and prevent potential health risks. By getting proper tests like blood tests and ultrasound, women suffering from PCOS can get the right treatment and lead a healthy life.

 

If you suspect that you may have PCOS or are experiencing any symptoms related to it, it is best to consult a healthcare provider. In Gurgaon, Neelkanth Hospital is a highly credible hospital in PCOS and fertility treatment that has years of experience in helping women manage their reproductive health. Contact Neelkanth Hospital for expert guidance on your PCOS journey.