PCOS Test: The What, The Why & The How



What is PCOS?

The disorder polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) alters a woman's hormone levels.

PCOS causes women to generate more male hormones than they should. This hormonal imbalance leads them to miss menstrual cycles, making it difficult for them to conceive.


Hair growth on the face and body, as well as baldness, are all symptoms of PCOS. It can also lead to long-term health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Birth control pills and diabetes medications (which treat insulin resistance, which is a sign of PCOS) can help correct the hormone imbalance and alleviate symptoms. The term "polycystic" refers to a person who has a lot of cysts. PCOS is characterized by the failure of the ovaries to release eggs. Rather, fluid accumulates around the eggs, producing sacs (cysts). Despite the fact that this is the basis of the disorder's name, not all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries.


What is a PCOS Test?


There is no one test that can diagnose PCOS at this time. To determine a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a slew of tests along with a mix of clinical findings, such as signs and symptoms, medical and family history, physical examination, and laboratory test results.


Before a PCOS diagnosis can be determined, several tests may be done to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. Excess androgens in women can be caused by malignancies of the adrenal gland or ovary, as well as an enlarged adrenal gland (adrenal hyperplasia).


A pelvic exam can detect issues with your ovaries or other elements of your reproductive system. Your doctor will put gloved fingers into your vaginal canal and look for any growths in your ovaries or uterus during this examination. Male hormone levels that are greater than usual are checked in blood testing. You may also undergo blood tests to examine your cholesterol, insulin, and triglyceride levels in order to assess your risk of heart disease and diabetes.


An ultrasound examines your ovaries and uterus using sound waves to search for abnormal follicles and other issues.


Symptoms of PCOS


PCOS symptoms can occur at the start of the first period or when women face difficulties in getting pregnant or experience sudden weight gain. Some of the common PCOS symptoms are:


  • Hair growth on the face and all over the body

  • Irregular periods

  • Unexpected or sudden weight gain

  • Heavy bleeding during periods

  • Acne

  • Frequent and prolonged headaches


PCOS can cause a woman's menstrual cycles to be disrupted, making it difficult to conceive. Unwanted symptoms such as hair growth on the face and body are also caused by high amounts of male hormones.


Doctors typically prescribe lifestyle changes as the primary therapy for PCOS, and they often work. Weight loss can help with PCOS symptoms and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Weight loss can be achieved by a combination of diet and aerobic activity.


If lifestyle modifications don't work, medications are a possibility. Both birth control pills and metformin can help PCOS symptoms by restoring more regular menstrual periods.

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