Medical

Tests For PCOS Diagnosis And Management

Know the key tests for PCOS diagnosis and management, including hormone level checks, ultrasounds, and other essential evaluations to manage symptoms effectively.

By URLife Team
25 Jan 2025

According to The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 1 in 5 young Indian women suffer from PCOS. 


Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects women, often starting between the ages of 18 and 39. It’s known for causing irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms of high androgen levels, such as excess hair growth and acne. 

Unfortunately, PCOS is frequently underdiagnosed or diagnosed late, delaying crucial treatment. Women with PCOS are more likely to be overweight or obese, and a higher BMI often leads to more severe symptoms. Beyond menstrual issues, PCOS is linked to a higher risk of reproductive, cardiovascular, psychological, and metabolic complications, as well as certain cancers.

PCOS is a complex condition with a variety of symptoms, and tests are crucial for getting an accurate diagnosis. By checking hormone levels, ovarian health, and metabolic function, doctors can pinpoint the specific issues causing symptoms and determine the best course of action for treatment. Consult a gynaecologist at UR.Life!

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Related story: 5 CommonMyths About PCOS—Debunked


Blood Tests That Help Diagnose PCOS

When it comes to diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), blood tests are vital in uncovering the condition’s underlying hormonal and metabolic imbalances. These tests provide crucial insights that help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment plans. Here's a closer look at the key blood tests used to diagnose PCOS and what they reveal:

1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
FSH is responsible for stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles, which are essential for ovulation. In women with PCOS, FSH levels may appear normal or slightly elevated, but the imbalance between FSH and LH (luteinising hormone) often disrupts normal ovarian function and contributes to irregular menstrual cycles.

2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH plays a key role in triggering ovulation. In PCOS, LH levels tend to be higher than normal in relation to FSH, leading to an increased LH/FSH ratio. This hormonal imbalance can interfere with ovulation, causing infertility and irregular periods, which are common symptoms of PCOS.

 

Related story: Why You Should Consider Taking Myo-Inositol for PCOS—According to an OB-GYN


3. Testosterone
Testosterone is a male hormone that women have in smaller amounts in their body. Elevated levels of testosterone in women with PCOS can lead to symptoms like acne, excess facial or body hair, poor sleep, and thinning scalp hair. Testosterone tests are conducted to measure total and free testosterone levels helps determine the extent of androgen excess in the body.

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4. Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
SHBG is a protein that binds to sex hormones, including testosterone, limiting its active form. In women with PCOS, SHBG levels tend to be lower, which means more free testosterone circulates in the body. This contributes to symptoms like unwanted hair growth and acne.

 

Related story: Supplements to Manage PCOS

 

5. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)
AMH is a hormone produced by the ovarian follicles and is often used to assess ovarian reserve. In PCOS, AMH levels are usually higher, reflecting an increased number of small follicles in the ovaries. This excess of immature follicles is a characteristic feature of PCOS.

6. Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone involved in milk production during breastfeeding. While elevated prolactin levels are not common in PCOS, they may sometimes occur. High prolactin levels can interfere with menstrual cycles and ovulation, potentially mimicking some symptoms of PCOS. 

 

Related story: How to Manage PCOS With Diet And Exercise

 

7. Glucose and Insulin Levels
Women with PCOS often experience insulin resistance, meaning their bodies struggle to process glucose effectively. Blood tests measuring fasting glucose and insulin levels help assess how well the body is managing blood sugar, which is crucial since insulin resistance increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

8. Lipid Profile
A lipid profile measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels to evaluate cardiovascular health. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, which can increase the likelihood of heart disease. Regular lipid testing helps monitor and manage these potential risks.

 

Related story: Can These Home Remedies Manage PCOS Symptoms?


Diagnosing and managing PCOS involves looking at the bigger picture, and blood tests are key to understanding the hormone and metabolism problems behind it. These tests help doctors identify each woman’s specific challenges, like irregular periods, hormone imbalances, and higher risks for other health issues. With the right diagnosis, women with PCOS can get treatments that address their symptoms, improve overall health, and lower the chances of future complications.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are significant for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying conditions. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.
With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications, and advice to you.


 

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