How is it diagnosed?
Part of the diagnosis is finding the symptoms mentioned in the previous page. Other tests to confirm the diagnosis include:
Ultrasound scan
This is usually done as an internal scan, meaning a small ultrasound probe is placed just inside the vagina, giving the best views of the ovaries and pelvic organs. In PCOS, the ovaries are found to have multiple, small cysts around the edge of the ovary. These cysts are only a few millimetres in size, do not in themselves cause problems and are partially developed eggs that were never released.
Blood tests
A couple of blood tests will assist in making the diagnosis - one to check the level of androgens, such as testosterone. Another test will measure the hormones involved in egg development - LH and FSH. Prolactin is a hormone produced by a small gland in the brain called the pituitary gland. The hormone is released in association with breastfeeding, but can be raised in PCOS. High levels of prolactin from an overactive pituitary gland are another cause of period problems. If fertility is an issue, a progesterone blood test 7 days before your expected menstrual period can check if you are ovulating.
What is the difference between PCO and PCOS?
The term 'polycystic ovaries' describes the ovaries, as seen on the ultrasound scan above. Many women have ovaries that are polycystic, but do not have any of the other symptoms or hormone findings as described previously. Overall, around 20% of women of the general population have ovaries with this appearance, and what isn't known yet from current research is whether this is one end of a long scale including the full polycystic ovary syndrome or a sign that symptoms are more likely to develop in the future.
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