PCOSinfo.com

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

In our last post we reviewed the signs and symptoms of PCOS. You may feel relieved knowing that you finally have an idea of what it is, but now you wonder…. How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome diagnosed?

First: Make an appointment with your Doctor. You can either see your Primary (a good idea if you’ve seen them for a while and trust them), an OB/GYN, or a RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist) if you are trying to have a baby.

Second: Make a list of all of your symptoms, as well as your history. Be sure to include any questions you have.

Unfortunately, there is no specific test to diagnose PCOS. Instead, the doctor will perform various tests to diagnose other symptoms that accompany the condition (elevated testosterone levels, ovarian cysts, hormonal problems, insulin resistance, etc.)

Ultrasound
They may perform an ultrasound to examine your reproductive organs, including your ovaries. They will look to see if they find any cysts. Every woman has a cyst or two after ovulation called Corpus Luteum cysts, these go away shortly after ovulation. However, women with PCOS often have what is referred to as a “String of Pearls” (numerous cysts surrounding the ovary — See attached image from “What is PCOS”)

Thyroid function
Thyroid problems can cause irregular periods and may cause symptoms similar to PCOS. This test is to insure your levels are within normal limits; to make sure a thyroid problem isn’t the cause of your symptoms.

High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
PCOS’ers usually have both high blood pressure and high cholesterol, these lead to numerous health issues including heart problems and increase your chance of stroke and diabetes if not handled correctly. The point of these tests are more proactive, to make sure your levels are normal. If they’re not, it will let the doctor know you need to be monitored closely to reduce your chance of health problems later in life.

Testosterone/DHEA
DHEA and testosterone are two “male hormones”. You can thank them for the male characteristics you may exhibit (excess hair growth or male pattern hair loss/thinning hair, and acne/oily skin). These male hormones can also cause menstrual irregularities. Elevated testosterone levels are extremely common in women with PCOS. However, an elevated DHEA level usually points to other issues (adrenal system problems).

Prolactin
This hormone is what promotes lactation. Higher values of prolactin can also cause irregular periods, so like above, the test is performed to insure an elevated prolactin isn’t the cause of your symptoms.

LH/FSH
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Lutenizing Hormone (LH)
FSH stimulates the growth of an egg in the ovary, and LH causes the release of estrogen, and ovulation. Both of these hormones usually produce a surge prior to ovulation. Although some PCOS women have LH/FSH, it’s not a tell-all lab test because a number of “PCOS’ers” have normal hormone values.

GTT
This will test your response to sugar. It will give an idea if you currently have, or are at risk for developing diabetes. This test may also help the doctor diagnose Insulin Resistance.

This is probably overwhelming, but remember… the sooner you find out, the sooner you can get adequate treatment and improve your health and your life. I do not want you to be scared, that is not my intention. I want to share the information I have learned over the years to help you as much as possible. The majority of doctors (especially OB/GYN’s) are quick to perform tests but they don’t always educate you about their plans and thoughts. This information will put you a step ahead. Education is a great way to fight fear — In general, the more you know, the less afraid you are.

In our next post:

The many treatments available for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and its symptoms; both prescription medication and herbal/homeopathic remedies.

Tags: health, health issues, health news, pco, pcos, pcos diagnosis, pcos symtpoms, pocs support, sexual health, symptoms of pcos, women health, women's health