PCOS Diagnosis
There’s no specific test to definitively diagnose and pinpoint polycystic ovary syndrome. The doctor follows an elimination or exclusion strategy for the right PCOS diagnosis. This means your doctor will thoroughly examine you first to rule out the causes that could possibly lead to the occurrence of the symptoms. During this process, your doctor will ask you specifics to understand your medical history, including your menstrual periods, weight changes, and other symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend certain tests and procedures.
Criteria for an accurate Polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosis
The right Polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosis can be made when at least two out of three of the following criteria are met:
The ovaries are ‘polycystic’:
- 12 or more follicles are visible on one ovary, or
- the size of one or both ovaries is increased
High levels of ‘male’ hormones (androgens, testosterone) in the blood (hyperandrogenism): Symptoms indicative of excess androgen secretion manifest as:
- Hirsutism or excess facial or body hair growth
- Hair loss on the scalp-typical of male pattern baldness
- acne – uncontrolled acne
Menstrual Dysfunction with following symptoms
- Missing periods
- menstrual irregularity or irregular/delayed periods
- lack of ovulation (cessation of egg release)
PCOS Diagnosis and treatment
Below are some of the tests that your doctor will perform or order to do the right Polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosis and treatment
Physical exam:
During your physical exam, your doctor will note several key pieces of information, including your height, weight and blood pressure
Pelvic exam:
During a pelvic exam, your doctor visually and manually examines your reproductive organs to observe for any abnormal structures or growths.
Blood Tests
Your doctor may order the following blood tests to diagnose various complications that are associated with PCOS.
- Testosterone: High levels of this male hormone can hinder ovulation, cause baldness and develop other masculine features
- Prolactin, which plays a role in controlling the menstrual cycle
- Cholesterol and triglycerides, which can co-exist at high levels
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to check for an overactive or underactive thyroid.
- Adrenal gland hormones, such as DHEA–S or 17-hydroxyprogesterone. An adrenal problem can cause symptoms much like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
- Glucose tolerance and insulin levels, which are predictive of insulin resistance and the likelihood of developing diabetes
- Diabetes: If you have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), your doctor will calculate your chances of developing diabetes based on your family history, lifestyle, and presence of any other chronic disorders. Later, a thorough judgment will be made based on regular blood tests to check for any red flags.
- Heart disease: Regular checking of cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and evaluating these values with reference to each other to rule out possibilities of any cardiovascular risks.
Ultrasound:
An ultrasound is an imaging technique that scans your ovaries and produces clear images of the same on the screen, which can enable the doctor to see for the presence of any abnormalities or unusual appearances. This test is very useful for the right PCOS diagnosis and treatment because it shows the exact appearance of the ovaries and thickness of the lining of the uterus. An ultrasound of the uterus, ovaries, and the pelvis can be carried out to identify the presence of any ovarian cysts or enlargements.
During the test, you lie on a bed or examining table while a wand-like device (transducer) is placed in your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). The transducer emits inaudible sound waves that hit the object of reference and produce an image of the object on the screen. Alternatively, a pelvic transabdominal ultrasound may also be performed by a doctor. This is done by producing images of the lower abdomen. It’s only performed in women who have been sexually active; otherwise, in other cases, an abdominal scan is sufficient.
