PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is tested and diagnosed through a combination of criteria and tests:
- To diagnose PCOS, at least two of the following criteria usually need to be met:
- Irregular ovulation indicated by an irregular menstrual cycle or absence of a cycle.
- Signs of increased androgen levels (male hormones) either clinically (like excess body or facial hair, acne, scalp hair thinning) or by blood tests showing elevated androgen levels.
- Presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries detected by ultrasound.
- The diagnostic process often includes:
- A physical exam checking for symptoms such as excess hair growth, acne, and thinning hair.
- A blood test to measure hormone levels including androgens (like testosterone), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and possibly insulin levels.
- Blood tests can also help rule out other conditions mimicking PCOS and assess related health risks like thyroid function, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
- A pelvic ultrasound, often transvaginal, to look for the characteristic appearance of ovaries with multiple follicles or cysts.
- Additional tests may include glucose tolerance tests, cholesterol levels, and screening for associated complications like diabetes or sleep apnea.
There is no single test to confirm PCOS; the diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and the combination of these findings.
