Polycystic Ovary (cont.)
How is PCOS diagnosed?
The diagnosis of PCOS is generally made on the basis of clinical signs and
symptoms as discussed above. The doctor will want to exclude other illnesses
that have similar features, such as low thyroid hormone blood levels
(hypothyroidism) or elevated levels of a milk-producing hormone (prolactin).
Also, tumors of the ovary or adrenal glands can produce elevated male hormone
(androgen) blood levels that cause acne or excess hair growth, mimicking
symptoms of PCOS.
Other laboratory tests can be helpful in making the diagnosis of PCOS. Serum
levels of male hormones (DHEA and
testosterone) may be elevated. However, levels
of testosterone that are highly elevated are not unusual with PCOS and call for
additional evaluation. Additionally, levels of a hormone released by the brain
(LH) are elevated.
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. The cysts in the ovaries can be identified with
imaging technology. (However, as noted above, women without PCOS can have many
cysts as well.) Ultrasound, which passes sound waves through the body to create
a picture of the kidneys, is used most often. Ultrasound imaging employs no
injected dyes or radiation and is safe for all patients including pregnant
women. It can also detect cysts in the kidneys of a fetus. Because women without
PCOS can have ovarian cysts, and because ovarian cysts are not part of the
definition of PCOS, ultrasound is not routinely ordered to diagnose PCOS. The
diagnosis is usually a clinical one based on the patient's history, physical
examination, and laboratory testing.
More powerful and expensive imaging methods such as
computed tomography (CT
scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also can detect cysts, but they are
generally reserved for situations where other conditions, such as ovarian or
adrenal gland tumors are suspected. CT scans require x-rays and sometimes
injected dyes, which can be associated with some degree of complications in
certain patients.
Next: What conditions can be associated with PCOS? »
- metformin, Glucophage - Drug information about metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet), a drug used for treating type II diabetes in adults and children.
- Ultrasound - Learn an ultrasound procedure, and conditions and diseases it assists in diagnosing and screening like tumors, cysts, heart conditions and more.
- Ovarian Cysts - Learn about ovarian cysts symptoms including pelvic or abdominal pain. There are several types of ovarian cysts, and the treatment will depend upon the type of cyst.
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