If you think you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it’s important you see your doctor. They can help coordinate your care and refer you to specialists where needed.
An early diagnosis and support from a team of specialists can help manage the symptoms of PCOS and reduce the risk of long-term health problems.
If you have PCOS symptoms, see your doctor. Your doctor will review your medical history and assess your physical symptoms, weight and BMI (body mass index). They may also recommend certain tests to rule out other conditions.
PCOS may be diagnosed if you have two or more of the following signs or symptoms:
- irregular or no periods
- features of ‘clinical androgen excess’ (e.g. pimples and excess hair growth) or higher than normal androgen levels (shown in a blood test) – androgens are male-type hormones
- polycystic ovaries visible on an ultrasound (i.e. more than 20 partly-developed eggs are visible on your ovaries or your ovaries are enlarged).
A blood test for anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) level can be done instead of an ultrasound.
You don’t need to have an ultrasound to confirm PCOS if you have irregular or no periods and high androgen levels.
Ultrasounds are not recommended for women under 20 years of age.
Tests you may have to do
Your doctor may ask you to do different tests before they confirm a PCOS diagnosis. The tests will depend on your individual symptoms.
Blood tests
Blood tests for testosterone and free androgen index (FAI) can identify high androgen levels.
You may also have blood tests to check the levels of other reproductive hormones that affect your periods. For example, oestrogen (the female sex hormone) or the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Your doctor may also recommend blood tests to exclude conditions with similar symptoms to PCOS.
If you are taking the contraceptive pill, you will need to stop for three months before you do blood tests to check your hormone levels.
Ultrasound
Your doctor or specialist may perform an abdominal ultrasound to check for signs of PCOS (e.g. partly developed eggs on your ovaries, enlarged ovaries or a thickened uterus lining).
A transvaginal ultrasound may be used on women who are sexually active. This is a procedure where a probe is inserted into your vagina, giving a much clearer picture of your ovaries than an abdominal ultrasound.
Other tests
Your doctor may want to do some tests to assess your risk of developing heart (cardiovascular) disease and type 2 diabetes.
For example:
- a cholesterol blood test
- a blood pressure test
- a glucose tolerance blood test.
If you have PCOS, you will need a cholesterol and diabetes test every few years, and a blood pressure check every year. If you have risk factors, such as a family history of diabetes or previous abnormal cholesterol tests – or if you are planning to get pregnant – you will need to do these tests more often.
How to treat and manage PCOS
Depending on your situation, you might need different treatments to manage PCOS symptoms. Diet and lifestyle changes can also help. Your doctor can help coordinate your care and refer you to specialists where needed.
Learn how to treat and manage common PCOS symptoms.