How is PCOS diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. The medical history, physical examination and different investigations are required to reach the diagnosis.
Physical exam: During the physical examination, your healthcare provider will:
Measure your blood pressure (BP) Examine your abdomen for signs of increased abdominal girth Inspect your skin for signs of hirsutism (excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back), acne, or skin discolouration (acanthosis nigricans) Evaluate for signs of male pattern baldness.
Check for other health conditions, such as an enlarged thyroid gland.
Pelvic examination: To look for an enlarged clitoris
Pelvic ultrasound: To see the typical polycystic appearance of ovaries, necklace pattern with multiple small follicles (MSF) and a lot of stroma
Blood tests: PCOD panel to check for testosterone and insulin resistance, and high LH. A test for diabetes, which may involve measuring fasting blood glucose levels. You may be diagnosed with PCOS if you have at least two of the following symptoms:
• Irregular periods
• Signs of high androgens like extra hair growth on your face, chin, and body (hirsutism), acne, hair loss or acanthosis nigricans
• Multiple cysts in one or both ovaries on the scan
• High levels of testosterone