What is PCOS and how it is diagnosed?

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance characterised by the overproduction of male hormones by the ovaries. A condition characterised by an overabundance of the androgen hormones produced by the ovaries. Your reproductive hormones will become unbalanced as a result of this. This causes irregular menstrual cycles, including missed periods and sporadic ovulation, which is a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The failure to ovulate can cause fluid-filled sacs called cysts to form on your ovaries (anovulation). Even though it's called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), having ovarian cysts is not a necessary symptom1.

PCOS is one of the primary reasons for infertility in women. The danger of developing additional diseases is also increased. Whether or not you intend to have children will help your doctor decide how to treat PCOS. PCOS can develop at any moment after a woman reaches menstrual age. Most people learn they have the condition while they are in their twenties or thirties and want to start a family. Being overweight or obese, or having PCOS in one's family, may increase a person's risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome2.

Symptoms associated with PCOS3,4:

PCOS symptoms often appear at the onset of menstruation. Symptoms may appear at any moment, but often appear after a woman has been menstruating regularly for some time.

A wide range of symptoms can be associated with PCOS. If you experience at least two of the following symptoms, a doctor may suspect that you have PCOS:

Lack of regular menstruation: Common symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include irregular or absent menstrual cycles. Having a period that is many days longer than average is also abnormal. You may have fewer than nine periods per year, for instance. The average interval between periods is 35 days, but it can be longer. It could be difficult for you to conceive a child.

High level of Androgen Hormones: Excessive facial and body hair has been linked to elevated levels of the hormone androgen.   Alopecia areata and severe acne are two more conditions that can occur on occasion.

Intestinal Polycystic Ovaries. It's possible that your ovaries have grown in size. Around the ovary's periphery, several follicles can form, each holding an immature egg. It's possible that the ovaries aren't functioning as efficiently as they should.

How PCOS is diagnosed3?

PCOS cannot be diagnosed with a simple blood test. Your doctor may ask about your medical history, perform a physical examination, and order several tests to confirm PCOS and rule out other possible reasons of your symptoms.

Physical Examination: The doctor will take your weight, height, and blood pressure. They will also check for acne, scarring, and unusual pigmentation on your face, chest, and back. Your doctor may examine your scalp for symptoms of hair loss or other illnesses. 

elvicscreening: Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to look for larger ovaries and other symptoms of excess male hormones, such as an enlarged clitoris. 

Pelvic Sonogram: The endometrium and cysts on your ovaries might be detected and ruled out with this ultrasonic examination.

Complete Blood Tests:  Levels of androgen hormones are measured in the blood. In addition to checking for PCOS, your doctor will look for signs of other hormone imbalances that may indicate other conditions, such as hypothyroidism. The cholesterol and blood sugar levels may be checked as well by the doctor.

Reference:

  1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic Learn more.
  2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Learn more (2022).
  3. PCOS Diagnosis: How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosed? Learn more.
  4. Sheehan, M. T. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management. Clin Med Res 2, 13–27 (2004).