Diagnosis of PCOS – Are there any tests?

There is no one test that can diagnose the polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, on its own. To determine if you have this disease, your doctor will question you about your symptoms and do a physical exam and blood testing. In this article, we will tell you about the diagnosis of PCOS.

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a hormonal disease that can affect your menstruation, fertility, weight, and skin. It can also increase your chance of developing other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. The sooner you find out whether you have it, the sooner you can begin treatment.

Doctor’s advise

You should share all of the indications and symptoms with your doctor. This is a crucial step in determining whether or not you have PCOS, as well as ruling out other diseases that cause similar symptoms. You’ll be asked about your family’s medical history, such as whether your mother or sibling has PCOS or has difficulty conceiving. This data is beneficial — PCOS is a condition that is hereditary.

Examinations and tests

The doctor will check your blood pressure, BMI (body mass index), and waist size. It is because they are following standard operating procedures for the diagnosis of PCOS. They may also examine your skin for abnormal hair growth, acne, or discolored skin, all of which can occur if you have PCOS.

Pelvic exam

This is similar to what happens during a routine checkup. Your doctor will examine and feel several parts of your body, including your vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum, for any abnormalities.

Pelvic ultrasound

This generates a representation of your ovaries. You recline down for the ultrasound, and the doctor briefly inserts ultrasound equipment into your vaginal canal. The doctor will examine your ovaries for cysts and the thickness of your uterine lining. If your periods aren’t coming when they’re supposed to, your lining may be thicker than usual.

Blood tests

A doctor will drawa tiny amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The levels of the hormones indicated below will be measured in lab testing.

  1. The follicle-stimulating hormone has an impact on your capacity to conceive. If you have PCOS, your level may be lower than usual or even normal.
  2. Luteinizing hormone aids ovulation. It’s possible that it’s higher than usual.
  3. Testosterone is a sex hormone that has a high level in PCOS women.
  4. Estrogens are a class of hormones that enable women to have periods. If you have PCOS, your level might be average or high.
  5. It’s possible that your sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) level is lower than usual.
  6. Androstenedione, a sex hormone, maybe at an abnormally high level.

Your doctor may give to other tests to rule out the possibilities of other diseases. It is because there is not a particular test which is for PCOS. The doctors have to diagnose this condition by ruling out the possibilities of all the secondary diseases which the patient may be suffering from. If all the possibilities are crossed, then the remaining condition is PCOS.

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