08/10/2021
How is PCOS diagnosed?
Along with irregular periods, the first signs of PCOS may be the growth of facial and male-patterned body hair, thinning scalp hair, acne, and weight gain. Weight gain, however, is not always present. Normal-weight women can also have PCOS.
In addition to assessing signs and symptoms of PCOS, medical providers take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and check blood hormone levels (including testosterone). They may also perform an ovarian ultrasound. Other tests looking for complication of PCOS may also be done, such as glucose tolerance test or a mental health screening survey.
Other disorders that mimic the clinical features of PCOS should be exclude: thyroid disease, Cushing Syndrome, high prolactin levels, and non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
