Do you think you may have PCOS and would like to get a diagnosis? These are some of the gynecologist's recommended tests that will help you with PCOS diagnosis.

Tests for PCOS

While there is no one single test that can be used to diagnose PCOS, the following tests below will not only help your gynecologist diagnose you, but will also help her determine the root cause of your PCOS:

Ultrasonography (USG) Test

Women who show PCOS symptoms are often asked to get a pelvic USG test done. The gynecologist will place a device in your vagina (if you are sexually active) or put the device on your stomach wall, to provide a picture of your uterus and ovaries. The picture can be used to detect the presence of “cysts'' or follicles in your ovaries. If more than 20 follicles are visible on one or both of your ovaries or if the size of your ovaries is increased, this may be consistent with PCOS.

Hormonal Blood Tests

Testosterone and Free Androgen Index (FAI): Testosterone is an androgen (male hormone) that is normally produced in small amounts in the female body. As discussed above, hyperandrogenism (high male hormone levels) is a major clinical feature of PCOS.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test: Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms similar to that of PCOS, especially irregular periods. In order to rule out hypothyroidism as a cause of your symptoms, the doctor will prescribe you a TSH test.
Prolactin Test: Prolactin is a hormone released by your pituitary gland, a pea-shaped organ present at the base of your brain. Prolactin promotes lactation in women, and when its levels are elevated, it can lead to irregular menses. Prolactin test is done to rule out hyperprolactinemia as the root cause of your irregular or absent periods.

Reproductive Hormone Tests: Levels of other female reproductive hormones like FSH, LH and estrogen can also be checked if you are having irregular menses to rule out other causes such as primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause). The LH to FSH ratio was used previously to diagnose women with PCOS, but that is now an outdated way to test for PCOS, as many women without PCOS and otherwise normal hormonal profiles also tend to have high LH to FSH ratios.

Insulin test: High blood insulin levels cause PCOS symptoms like weight gain, cravings, fatigue and irregular periods. It is important to determine if the root cause of your PCOS is IR, as your treatment will depend on this. Women with high blood insulin levels are usually prescribed metformin and myo-inositol to lower IR.