Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance disorder in women where the ovaries produce excessive androgen hormones. To obtain an accurate diagnosis of PCOS, doctors perform various examinations.
PCOS examinations generally include physical assessments and several medical procedures. In addition to confirming the diagnosis, these tests help eliminate other possible causes to ensure accurate results.
Contents
Types of Examinations to Diagnose PCOS
Doctors use several methods to determine whether a patient has PCOS. The primary approach is identifying the symptoms present.
A woman can be diagnosed with PCOS if she has at least two of the following three symptoms:
- High androgen levels
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Ovarian cysts
In addition to consultations, laboratory tests and other medical procedures can confirm the above PCOS symptoms.
Here are some of the examinations doctors perform to diagnose PCOS:
1. Medical History Assessment (Anamnesis)
Anamnesis is a question-and-answer session conducted by the doctor during a consultation. You will describe your complaints, and the doctor will ask about symptoms, medical history, menstrual cycle, lifestyle, and other health-related information.
This process is crucial in diagnosing PCOS, as it helps doctors understand your condition, including any medications and supplements you are taking that may affect fertility.
2. Physical Examination
After anamnesis, the doctor will conduct a physical examination to check for visible signs or symptoms of PCOS.
The doctor may look for signs such as excessive hair growth on the face and body, severe acne on the face and upper back, an enlarged waist circumference, or skin discoloration in certain areas.
3. Pelvic Examination
A pelvic examination is a visual and physical assessment conducted by the doctor to evaluate the condition of a woman’s reproductive organs, including the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, ovaries, and uterus.
This examination can be performed using a speculum or manually with fingers. In the manual examination, the doctor wears gloves and inserts a finger into the vagina while pressing on the lower abdomen with the other hand. This helps detect any growths (such as cysts) or unusual changes in the uterus or ovaries.
A pelvic exam allows the doctor to determine if there are reproductive system issues that require medical attention.
4. Ultrasound (USG)
A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the uterus, including blood vessels, tissues, and organs.
Through ultrasound, the doctor can assess ovary size, endometrial thickness, and the presence of cysts, which are crucial for diagnosing PCOS.
5. Blood Tests
Blood tests are performed to measure hormone levels in the body, including androgen hormones. High androgen levels can strengthen the PCOS diagnosis.
Additionally, blood tests can check glucose levels, as high glucose levels may indicate insulin resistance, one of the risk factors for PCOS.
Establishing a PCOS diagnosis through various examinations is essential for determining the appropriate treatment, especially if you and your partner are planning a pregnancy.
Without proper treatment, PCOS can lead to infertility and difficulty conceiving. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with expertise in fertility issues.
Mandaya Royal Hospital has a team of top Fertility Specialists who can provide consultations on PCOS and fertility concerns.
Fertility Clinic Services at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
The Fertility Clinic at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers fertility tests for couples planning a pregnancy. You and your partner can join a 25-day pregnancy program designed by experienced Fertility and Andrology Consultants.
Use the Chat feature via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app available on Google Play and the App Store to facilitate visits, check queue numbers, and access complete information.
