PCOS Diagnosis: Essential Tests to Uncover the Truth and Take Control

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder causing irregular periods, excess hair growth, and other symptoms. PCOS Diagnosis involves evaluating symptoms and hormonal tests. Management can help control symptoms and improve fertility.

 

PCOS Full Form

Full form of PCOS is PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome.

 

6 Tests for PCOS Diagnosis

Discover if you have PCOS with a diagnostic PCOS test that assess hormonal imbalance, ovulation patterns, and other key factors for accurate PCOS diagnosis.

 

Here are some common tests used in the PCOS diagnosis:

1. Hormone blood tests
2. Glucose tolerance test
3. Pelvic ultrasound
4. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test
5. Lipid profile test
6. Androgen level test

 

 

1. Hormone Blood Tests

• Hormone blood tests assess the levels of various hormones in the body.
• These tests help evaluate hormone imbalances that are often associated with PCOS.
• Key hormones tested include FSH, LH, testosterone, and DHEA-S.

Hormone Blood Tests	Details
Also Known As	Hormonal profile test
Purpose	Assess hormone levels
Sample	Blood
Preparation	Fasting
Procedure	Blood drawn
Test Timing	4 - 6 hours
Test Price (INR)	300-2000
Result value	Hormone levels
Normal Value	Reference ranges
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Evaluated by a specialist

Hormone blood tests evaluate hormone levels, providing valuable insights into imbalances for accurate diagnosis and treatment of various conditions.

 

2. Glucose Tolerance Test

• Glucose tolerance test measures how well the body processes sugar.
• It helps assess insulin resistance, a common feature of PCOS.
• This PCOS test involves drinking a glucose solution and blood tests to measure glucose levels over time.

Glucose Tolerance Test	Details
Also Known As	GTT
Purpose	Assess insulin resistance
Sample	Blood
Preparation	8-12 hours of fasting
Procedure	Drinking glucose solution
Test Timing	2-3 hours
Test Price (INR)	300-1500
Result value	Blood glucose levels
Normal Value	Reference ranges
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Evaluated by a specialist

Glucose tolerance test assesses insulin resistance and glucose metabolism, aiding in the diagnosis of PCOS and diabetes for effective management.

 

3. Pelvic Ultrasound

• Pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test used in PCOS diagnosis.
• It helps evaluate the ovaries for the presence of cysts or other abnormalities.
• The ultrasound provides visual information about the size and appearance of the ovaries and the thickness of the uterine lining.

Pelvic ultrasound	Details
Also Known As	Ultrasound
Purpose	Evaluate ovaries & uterus
Sample	None
Preparation	Drink Water
Procedure	Transvaginal ultrasound
Test Timing	30 minutes - 1 hour
Test Price (INR)	1000 - 3000
Result value	Images of ovaries & uterus
Normal Value	Normal anatomy
Accuracy	Moderate
Interpretation	Evaluated by a specialist

Pelvic ultrasound evaluates ovaries and uterus, providing visual images to detect any abnormalities and guide diagnosis for effective treatment.

 

4. Anti-Müllerian Hormone Test

• AMH test measures the level of Anti-Müllerian hormone in the blood.
• It helps assess ovarian reserve, a key factor in PCOS diagnosis.
• Lower AMH levels may indicate reduced ovarian function and potential fertility issues.

Anti-Mullerian Hotmone Test	Details
Also Known As	AMH Test
Purpose	Assess ovarian reserve
Sample	Blood
Preparation	None
Procedure	Blood drawn
Test Timing	4 - 6 hours
Test Price (INR)	1000-5000
Result value	AMH levels
Normal Value	Reference ranges
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Evaluated by a specialist

The AMH test evaluates ovarian reserve by measuring hormone levels, providing valuable insights into fertility potential and ovarian function.

 

5. Lipid Profile Test

• A lipid profile test measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
• It helps assess cardiovascular risk, which is elevated in some individuals with PCOS.
• Abnormal lipid levels can indicate an increased risk of heart disease and other related complications.

Lipid Profile Test	Details
Also Known As	Profile Test
Purpose	Assess cholesterol
Sample	Blood
Preparation	9-12 hours fasting
Procedure	Blood drawn
Test Timing	4-6 hours
Test Price (INR)	300-1000
Result value	Cholesterol levels
Normal Value	Reference ranges
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Evaluated by a specialist

The lipid profile test assesses cholesterol and triglyceride levels to evaluate cardiovascular risk and provide valuable insights for health management.

 

6. Androgen Level Test

• Androgen level test measures the levels of androgen hormones in the blood.
• It helps evaluate the presence of elevated androgen levels, which is common in PCOS.
• High androgen levels can contribute to symptoms such as excess hair growth, acne, and irregular periods.

Androgen level test	Details
Also Known As	Androgen Test
Purpose	Assess androgen hormone levels
Sample	Blood
Preparation	None
Procedure	Blood drawn
Test Timing	4-6 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-2000
Result value	Androgen hormone levels
Normal Value	Reference ranges
Accuracy	Moderate
Interpretation	Evaluated by a specialist

The androgen level test evaluates androgen hormone levels to assess conditions like PCOS and hormonal imbalances, providing valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.

 

PCOS Diagnosis Tests Overview

Test Name	Hormone Blood Tests	Glucose Tolerance Test	Pelvic Ultrasound
Also Known As	Endocrine blood tests	GTT	Pelvic sonogram
Purpose	Assess hormone levels	Evaluate glucose metabolism	Evaluate ovaries & uterus
Sample	Blood	Blood	None
Preparation	Fasting	9-12 hours fasting	Drink water
Procedure	Blood drawn	Oral glucose intake	Transvaginal ultrasound
Test Timing	4-6 hours	2-3 hours	30 minutes-1 hour
Test Price (INR)	500-2000	300-1500	1000-3000
Result value	Hormone levels	Blood glucose levels	Visual images of ovaries and uterus
Normal Value	Reference ranges	Normal glucose tolerance	Normal anatomy and structure
Accuracy	High	High	Moderate
Interpretation	Evaluated by a specialist	Evaluated by a specialist	Evaluated by a specialist

Hormone blood tests assess hormone levels, glucose tolerance test evaluates metabolism, and pelvic ultrasound examines ovaries and uterus, providing valuable diagnostic insights in PCOS test.

 

PCOS Differential Diagnosis

Disease	Similar Diseases	Differentiating Factors
Hypothyroidism	Cushing's syndrome	Hormone levels
Hyperprolactinemia	Ovarian tumors	Prolactin levels
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia	Androgen-secreting tumors	Androgen levels

The differential PCOS diagnosis includes hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, distinguished by hormone levels and specific symptoms.

 

Best Doctor for PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Specialist	Description
Endocrinologist	Hormonal expertise, comprehensive care
Gynecologist	Reproductive health and fertility focus
Reproductive Endocrinologist	Fertility and hormone specialist
Naturopathic Doctor	Holistic approach to PCOS management
Dietitian/Nutritionist	Nutritional guidance for PCOS management

Each specialist brings unique expertise, but the best choice depends on individual needs. Consult an endocrinologist for comprehensive care tailored to PCOS symptoms and hormonal balance for PCOS test.

 

7 Interesting Facts of PCOS Diagnosis

1. PCOS affects 1 in 10 women worldwide.
2. Diagnosis is based on symptom assessment and medical tests.
3. PCOS diagnosis requires ruling out other conditions.
4. Hormone blood tests and ultrasound help confirm the diagnosis.
5. PCOS diagnosis may involve assessing insulin resistance.
6. Early diagnosis can prevent long-term health complications.
7. A multidisciplinary approach is key for PCOS diagnosis and management.

 

Conclusion

PCOS diagnosis involves assessing symptoms, hormone levels, and ultrasound results. PCOS test used for diagnosing hormonal imbalance accurately. Early detection is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.

 

Reference

• Polycystic ovary syndrome - Wikipedia [1].
• Polycystic Ovarian Disease - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf [2].
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes - CDC [3].