Question from a newbie.

MicheleK · 04-15-2008, 10:09 PM

I've been reading a lot about PCOS lately since a friend of mine was diagnosed. We have similar symptoms and I'm wondering if I might have it as well.
I see my PCP next week and was wondering what tests are required to check for PCOS?

If anyone could inform that would be great :)

Thanks!

jlwalker79 · 04-15-2008, 10:16 PM

I'm not too sure about specific testing for PCOS. But I did have it. There are several symptoms that relate back to PCOS. I had a hyst and therefore no longer have it. Now it is called insulin resistance. Are you trying to get pregnant?

MicheleK · 04-15-2008, 10:26 PM

Not going to look into attempting to get preg until I'm banded and have lost a considerable about of weight (currently doing 90 pre-approval diet for insurance).

My symptoms included, adult acne, facial hair, horrid weight gain, HEAVY periods, depression and lack of energy. I guess I'll tell my PCP im interested in looking into being tested for it. Just wasn't sure if it was done with a PAP or a blood test or ultrasound..

Thanks for the reply :)

jlwalker79 · 04-15-2008, 10:45 PM

My doc did a vag ultrasound and saw the cysts on my ovaries which confirmed his dx. I had all those symptoms PLUS black around my neck, on my knuckles(sp?), and between my legs. I did not have regular periods at all. PCOS is related to being overweight. I was seeing an infertility specialist to ovbiously get pregnant and he figured it all out. I lost a little weight and got pregnant (almost 7 years ago). Hope this helps:)
jessi

renewedhope · 04-16-2008, 07:36 AM

There is not a specific test. It is diagnosed according to symptoms. Here is some info that I pulled from this website. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

I hope it helps to answer some of your questions. PCOS effects so many areas in your life. It is about so much more than fertility. As I am learning to manage my symptoms, I am only now realizing the effect this has had on many aspects of my life. Best wishes to you. I hope this helps.

What tests are used to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and possibly take some tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms. During the physical exam the doctor will want to measure your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist size. He or she also will check out the areas of increased hair growth, so try to allow the natural hair growth for a few days before the visit. Your doctor might want to do a pelvic exam to see if your ovaries are enlarged or swollen by the increased number of small cysts. A vaginal ultrasound also might be used to examine the ovaries for cysts and check out the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. The uterine lining may become thicker if your periods are not regular. You also might have blood taken to check your hormone levels and to measure glucose (sugar) levels
What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Not all women with PCOS share the same symptoms. These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:

infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
infertility (not able to get pregnant) because of not ovulating
increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes—a condition called hirsutism (HER-suh-tiz-um)
ovarian cysts
acne, oily skin, or dandruff
weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
high cholesterol
high blood pressure
male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
pelvic pain
anxiety or depression due to appearance and/or infertility
sleep apnea—excessive snoring and times when breathing stops while asleep

TulipStar · 04-19-2008, 09:58 AM

There is not one specific test, but a combination of things can help you dr to diagnose.
Tell your dr of your symptoms and you can even tell him that you think you might have it. They can do a blood test which will reveal if your fasting insulin is too high (insulin resistance) and test your LH/FSH levels.
He also might do an ultrasound which would show cysts on your ovaries.