There isn’t one single test that can definitively diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To determine if you have PCOS, your healthcare provider will typically begin with a thorough discussion about your symptoms, current medications, and past medical history. They will likely ask detailed questions about your menstrual cycles and any fluctuations in your weight. A physical examination will be conducted, which may include checking for visible signs like excessive hair growth, acne, and indicators of insulin resistance.
To further investigate and confirm a diagnosis, your healthcare provider may recommend several tests:
Pelvic Exam
During a pelvic exam, your doctor will insert one or two gloved and lubricated fingers into your vagina. Simultaneously, they will press on your abdomen with their other hand. This allows them to manually assess your uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs. The purpose of this exam is to check for any abnormalities such as masses, growths, or other unusual changes in these organs.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is an imaging technique used to examine your ovaries and the lining of your uterus in more detail. For this procedure, you will lie on your back on an examination table, similar to a gynecological exam. A slender, wand-like device called a transducer is then gently inserted into your vagina. This transducer emits sound waves that are converted into visual images displayed on a computer screen. In women with PCOS, the ultrasound may reveal ovaries that appear polycystic, meaning they contain numerous small, fluid-filled sacs known as follicles. The image above illustrates how these follicles appear as dark circles within the ovary during a transvaginal ultrasound.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are crucial in the Diagnosis Of Pcos. They are used to measure hormone levels in your blood. These measurements can help to:
- Rule out other conditions: Blood tests can help exclude other potential medical conditions that may present with similar symptoms to PCOS, such as thyroid disorders or nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. These conditions can also cause menstrual irregularities or androgen excess, mimicking PCOS.
- Assess androgen levels: PCOS is often associated with elevated levels of androgens (male hormones). Blood tests can quantify these levels, such as testosterone and DHEAS, which are key indicators in PCOS diagnosis.
- Check for associated health risks: Beyond hormone levels, blood tests can also assess other health markers relevant to PCOS complications. Your healthcare provider may order tests to evaluate fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as women with PCOS are at increased risk for cardiovascular issues. A glucose tolerance test might also be recommended to evaluate your body’s response to glucose and screen for insulin resistance or diabetes, which are commonly linked to PCOS.
If a diagnosis of PCOS is confirmed based on your symptoms, physical exam, ultrasound, and blood test results, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing to screen for potential long-term complications associated with PCOS. These additional tests might include:
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure: To detect and manage hypertension, a common comorbidity in women with PCOS.
- Repeat glucose tolerance tests: To monitor for the development of impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes over time.
- Lipid panel monitoring: Regular checks of cholesterol and triglyceride levels to manage cardiovascular risk factors.
- Screening for mental health conditions: Screening for depression and anxiety, as women with PCOS have a higher prevalence of these conditions.
- Sleep apnea evaluation: Assessment for obstructive sleep apnea, another condition more common in women with PCOS, particularly those who are overweight or obese.
By combining a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, a physical exam, pelvic ultrasound, and blood tests, healthcare providers can accurately diagnose PCOS and initiate appropriate management strategies to address your specific concerns and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.
