There are a number of ways to find out whether you have PCOS. The finger-prick blood test is a standard method for this purpose. However, this blood test does not give you the diagnosis unless you have a doctor or a qualified clinician doing it. To check if you have PCOS, you need to visit a physician or clinic and undergo a blood test. The physician or clinician will also comment on any abnormal findings.
Reproductive system
PCOS is a very common disorder affecting up to one-quarter of all women of childbearing age. Though the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, it is likely related to the excess production of androgens. This, in turn, results in problems with ovulation and fertility. While the underlying cause is unknown, the condition causes the production of abnormal amounts of androgens and failure to ovulate.
Symptoms
A doctor can determine whether a woman has PCOS by looking at her blood sugar levels. This is done through a blood sugar test, which measures the average levels over the previous two to three months. High LH levels and a lower level of FSH indicate that a woman may have PCOS. The test may not be accurate for diagnosing the condition, but it will help in determining whether a woman has the condition or not.
A physical examination will include looking for signs and symptoms of PCOS, such as acne, hair growth, and insulin resistance. A pelvic exam will visually examine the reproductive organs. Blood tests for PCOS will measure and rule out other medical conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms. A pelvic ultrasound will also reveal any cysts that might be present. Although PCOS is difficult to diagnose, blood tests are important to make sure that PCOS is the cause of your symptoms.
Tests
The test results show if you have PCOS. There are some symptoms you can look out for, and if your condition is genetic, the test may help determine the severity of your condition. In addition, the test will also give you information on the levels of other hormones that can affect fertility. For example, a complete health check-up package includes information on 65 test parameters, including thyroid, lipid, uric acid, and many other vital functions. The test results are then evaluated by a clinician to determine if you have PCOS.
The doctor will ask you about your family medical history. She will perform a complete physical exam. Lab tests may be ordered, including glucose and androgen levels. A sonogram may be performed to look at your ovaries. These tests will also rule out other possible conditions that may be causing your symptoms. However, it is important to note that symptoms of PCOS may be part of puberty and not necessarily indicative of the condition.
Diagnosis
A blood test may reveal signs of PCOS, including increased testosterone or the LH/FSH ratio. In addition to the test itself, a healthcare practitioner may recommend a variety of tests, including a cholesterol or diabetes screen, to rule out other conditions that mimic PCOS. A pelvic ultrasound may be recommended to detect cysts. If you’re taking birth control pills, your doctor can perform this test if you suspect that you have ovarian cysts.
Diagnosis of PCOS is usually made based on a patient’s symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and lab test results. In addition to blood tests, a doctor may order other tests to rule out other causes of PCOS-like symptoms, such as an adrenal or ovarian tumor. Lastly, ultrasounds may also be performed to determine if the patient has problems with her reproductive tract.
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