Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Diagnosis

PCOS is often suspected when a patient has irregular periods or fertility problems. These symptoms signal a disruption in the reproductive cycle, which normally culminates each month with ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Many women with PCOS, though not all, have enlarged ovaries with numerous ovarian cysts.

Other PCOS symptoms include:

• Excessive production of androgens, which may cause excess hair growth on the face, chin, upper lip, nipple area, chest, lower abdomen and thighs or male pattern baldness
  
• Acne
  
• Obesity in approximately 50 percent of cases
  
• Dark patches on the skin
  
• Prolonged PMS-like symptoms
  
• Pelvic pain

Besides a thorough physical exam and family medical history, doctors may use the following diagnostic tools:

• A pelvic ultrasound to determine if ovaries are enlarged, to see if cysts are present and to measure the thickness of the lining of the uterus
• Blood tests to detect elevated levels of androgens. Hormone levels measured may include prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and DHEA-S. Levels of glucose, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides may also be assessed.
• Blood test to detect high levels of lutenizing hormones (LH) or an elevation in the ratio of LH to follicle stimulating hormones (FSH)

Doctors rule out other possible causes of irregular menstruation and excessive hair growth, such as Cushing's syndrome or disorders of the pituitary or adrenal glands.