How is polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) involves several steps. Your doctor will take a detailed medical history about your menstrual cycle and reproductive history, including information about birth control you use and any pregnancies you have had. You also will receive a pelvic and physical exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor checks for swelling of cysts on your ovary. If cysts are found, your doctor may perform a vaginal ultrasound, or a screening to examine the cysts and the endometrium (lining of the uterus). If your doctor suspects you have PCOS, he or she may recommend blood tests to measure hormone levels. Women with PCOS can have high levels of hormones such as testosterone. Your doctor may check your insulin and glucose levels, to look for diabetes or insulin resistance (inefficient use of insulin in the body). Many women with PCOS have these conditions. Your doctor may also check your levels of cholesterol and triglycerides since they are often abnormal in women with PCOS. Once your doctor makes a diagnosis, you will work together to decide how to best treat and manage your condition.

If you suspect that you might have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it is important to first get an accurate diagnosis. PCOS can only be diagnosed through assessing hormone levels in the blood, primarily luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and insulin.

It is also critical for your health care provider to evaluate your symptoms and medical history as he or she makes a diagnosis; therefore, you should be open and honest about all of your symptoms, even if you think they are unrelated. In addition, your health care provider might want to do an ultrasound to look at your ovaries.