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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

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Tests Used to Diagnose PCOS

There is no single test to diagnose PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and possibly take some tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

During the physical exam the doctor will want to measure your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist size. He or she also will check out the areas of increased hair growth, so try to allow the natural hair growth for a few days before the visit.

Your doctor might want to do a pelvic exam to see if your ovaries are enlarged or swollen by the increased number of small cysts.

A vaginal ultrasound also might be used to examine the ovaries for cysts and check out the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. The uterine lining may become thicker if your periods are not regular.

You also might have blood taken to check your hormone levels and to measure glucose (sugar) levels.

References:
April 2007
www.4woman.gov/
Reviewed By: Louis V. DePaolo, Ph.D.
Chief, Reproductive Sciences Branch
Center for Population Research
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development