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How to Diagnose Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the most common reasons for infertility in women. PCOS causes fluid-filled sacs (cysts) to form on the ovaries and a higher-than-normal amount of androgens (male hormones) to be present in the system. The male hormones are responsible for many of the unpleasant symptoms of PCOS.A diagnosis of PCOS can be tricky to obtain because there isn't one specific set of symptoms or a particular test to perform. Instead, physicians usually try to rule out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms.

Things You'll Need

  • A physican or health professional
  • An appointment to see your health professional
  • The tenacity to keep exploring the causes of your symptoms
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Instructions

  1. Get ready for diagnosis

    • 1

      Become familiar with the different symptoms of PCOS, but keep in mind that you may not experience all of them. Here are some symptoms generally associated with PCOS:Cysts on the ovariesAmenorrhea (no or infrequent menstrual periods)InfertilityLack of ovulation or infrequent ovulationHigher than normal amount of male hormones, such as testosteroneObesityInsulin resistance or type II diabetesHirsutism (excessive body hair)Thinning hair or male-pattern baldnessCholesterol irregularities, either too high or too lowAcne or oily skinSkin tags, especially in the armpits or neckHigh blood pressureDandruffPelvic pain

    • 2

      Discuss your symptoms with your physician or health care provider. You may find it helpful to make a list of symptoms you've experienced so you won't forget them when you're sitting in the office.

    • 3

      Prepare for a battery of tests! Your health care provider will want to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

    • 4

      Know that a full physical and pelvic examination is likely to be the first order of action. Your doctor will want to look for things like abnormal hair growth (hirsutism) and skin tags. Remember the dates of your last few menstrual periods--this will help your doctor determine whether or not you are ovulating.

    • 5

      Realize that an ultrasound may be performed in order to determine if there are cysts on your ovaries and to check for any other reproductive abnormalities. Transvaginal ultrasounds, which use a probe inserted into the vagina, are often used for this purpose.

    Lab tests and blood work you can expect

    • 6

      Understand that androgen, or male hormone, tests will be run. Your doctor is specifically looking at dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone levels. While high testosterone levels can be a symptom of PCOS, high DHEA levels are more likely to indicate a problem with your adrenal gland.

    • 7

      Prepare for your doctor to check your levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), both of which are involved in ovulation. An elevated FSH level can sometimes mean menopause.

    • 8

      Recognize that as with most physical examinations, your doctor will want to test your cholesterol, or lipid, levels. Women with PCOS often have elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure, and it's important that your doctor monitor these levels to reduce your risk of heart disease.

    • 9

      Be aware that your doctor may check your prolactin (a hormone involved in lactation) levels because a higher than usual amount of prolactin in the system can cause your periods to stop.

    • 10

      Schedule a thyroid function test if your physician suggests it, since thyroid dysfunction can produce many symptoms similar to those of PCOS.

    • 11

      Get ready for a blood sugar test (usually requiring you drink a sugary solution and fast for several hours). One may be run to see if you have insulin resistance, or are at an increased risk of developing diabetes.

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