PCOS can be difficult to diagnose because some of its symptoms have a variety of potential causes. For example, heavy menstrual bleeding could be caused by a range of conditions, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, bleeding disorders, certain medications, or pelvic inflammatory disease, in addition to PCOS.
Other disorders that mimic the clinical features of PCOS should be excluded: thyroid disease, high prolactin levels, and non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Large ovaries with many small follicles (which look like cysts, hence the name "polycystic"). These follicles are not cancerous.
4 myths about PCOS - and why they're wrong. New research shows it can be common for women to be misdiagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. Lead author PhD candidate Tessa Copp and colleagues explain the issues, including erroneously equating PCOS with infertility.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound because polycystic ovaries are not cysts. They're follicles or eggs which are normal for the ovary. It's normal for all women to sometimes have a higher number of follicles.
Can PCOS Cause A False Positive Pregnancy Test? PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can not cause a false positive pregnancy test. PCOS results in changes in hormone levels and is one of the very complex endocrine disorders.
Polycystic ovaries (PCO) are commonly mistaken for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If you have PCO, you do not necessarily have PCOS. A polycystic-pattern may be an incidental finding during a pelvic scan for some other reason.
There's no single test to specifically diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Your health care provider is likely to start with a discussion of your symptoms, medications and any other medical conditions. Your provider also may ask about your menstrual periods and any weight changes.
As previously stated, the shape of a PCOS belly differs from other types of weight gain. It often appears large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genetics and other factors. The PCOS belly involves the accumulation of visceral fat in the lower abdomen and typically feels firm to the touch.
The “hidden” symptoms of PCOS
These, Dr Bajekal says, can include excessive daytime sleepiness, breathing problems like sleep apnoea and snoring, darkened skin behind the neck, underarms and groin, as well as psychological signs such as heightened depression and anxiety.
blood tests to check your hormones (such as testosterone), cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood. an ultrasound scan to look at your ovaries and check for the presence of multiple cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
It is common for women that clearly fit the PCOS syndrome in other ways to have normal serum FSH and LH levels and a normal FSH to LH ratio. For this reason, testing of FSH and LH hormone levels is not always helpful when trying to diagnose PCOS.
Excess insulin causes polycystic ovaries because it impairs ovulation and stimulates the ovaries to make testosterone instead of estrogen. We have an epidemic of insulin resistance, so it makes sense that we also have an epidemic of PCOS.
Symptoms and Signs of PCOS
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome typically begin during puberty and worsen with time. Ovulatory dysfunction is usually present at puberty, resulting in primary amenorrhea; thus, polycystic ovary syndrome is unlikely if regular menses occurred for a time after menarche.
Recent studies have shown that women who were diagnosed as having PCOS 30 years ago have a completely normal life expectancy. An inspection of more than 700 death certificates from women with PCOS has shown that there is no excess risk of cancer in any organ or of heart disease.
Blood Tests for PCOS. There are several blood tests that may be done to help diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Examples include follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, and other hormone level tests.
PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain. Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and endometrial cancer.
Signs of inflammation in this type of PCOS include headaches, joint pain, unexplained fatigue, skin issues like eczema and bowel issues like IBS. Typically, you will see raised inflammatory markers on a blood test, such as a high CRP (C reactive protein) above 5.
Often, the skin can be a window to what is occurring inside your body. For women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, this this may mean acne, hair loss, excessive facial or body hair growth, dark patches on the skin, or any combination of these issues.
It's usually large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genes and other factors. It involves visceral fat accumulation in the lower abdomen and typically feels hard to touch. A PCOS belly is also characterized by a high waist-to-hip ratio of >0.87 (apple body shape).
Medications effective for weight loss (in addition to lifestyle modifications) that have been specifically studied in women with PCOS include metformin, acarbose, sibutramine, and orlistat (Xenical). Metformin is probably the first-line medication for obesity or weight reduction in patients with PCOS.
Currently, there is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will start by performing a thorough physical examination, including a pelvic exam to determine if your ovaries are enlarged or swollen. You may also have a vaginal ultrasound to examine your ovaries for cysts and check for other abnormalities.
Many women with PCOS often complain of pelvic or abdominal pain. This pain is generally below the belly button and it is often accompanied by cramps. Pain can be moderate to severe, throbbing, dull/sharp, and can occur on one or both sides of the pelvis near the ovaries.