PCOS and Tests to be Done
March 17, 2022
The polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition characterized by the disorder of the endocrine system and an imbalance of hormones. A woman diagnosed with PCOS may be experiencing infrequent, missed, or prolonged periods. There is an increase in levels of androgens and her ovaries are slowly but gradually forming cysts and failing to release the egg.
Today 1 out of every 5 women faces PCOS and the number is only increasing each day. Let’s look at the diagnosis and tests that are involved in the treatment of this condition.
There are many symptoms that are associated with PCOS, the list includes
- Acanthosis nigricans – darkening of the skin folds in the neck, upper inner thigh, under the breast regions.
- Pre-diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides
- Unexplained weight gain
- Unresponsive acne
- Scalp hair loss
- Early (pre-pubertal) male pattern hair growth
- Erratic period intervals ranging from daily to absent
- Abnormal uterine bleedingThere is no clear certainty as to why women with PCOS have so many different symptoms but there is surely a link between many of the above symptoms and hormonal imbalances which lead to PCOS. It is important to let your doctor know if you are experiencing any of the above 2 to 3 symptoms.There is no definitive diagnostic test that can conclude your PCOS positive.Your doctor would most likely start with your medical history, family’s medical background, menstrual timeline, and weight changes. The clinical examination would include looking for excess hair growth at unwanted areas, insulin resistance and acne.
Further going, your doctor may recommend:
- Blood tests: They are conducted in order to measure the hormone levels and glucose tolerance as well as your lipid profile.
- Pelvic Examination: The doctor manually and visually examines the reproductive organs for any unwanted growth, masses, or abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: This is conducted in order to check the appearance of your ovaries and the thickness of the lining of your uterus. The soundwaves are translated into images on a computer screen. Polycystic ovaries on your pelvic ultrasound would appear to have multiple cysts. 25 or more, and in teenagers, the number of cysts may be higher.
Before confirming, the doctor would initially try to rule out the possibility of other confounding conditions like pregnancy, thyroid problems, hyperprolactinemia, or adrenal hyperplasia that may also cause similar symptoms. Post this a conclusion is drawn on the basis of which further management and treatment of your existing as well as progressing health condition is worked upon.
