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Getting an accurate PCOS diagnosis ensures you get the right treatment for you
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common but complex disorder. When you talk to people with this condition, you’ll find there are many variations of PCOS. Each person can experience a different set of symptoms. For these reasons, polycystic ovary syndrome is generally underdiagnosed and patients may see several doctors before getting a PCOS diagnosis. Our Austin PCOS specialists routinely work with patients to help them get more than just a diagnosis. The team at Texas Fertility Center is also committed to providing effective treatments.
PCOS
How is PCOS diagnosed? Looking at the diagnostic criteria
The guidelines for making a PCOS diagnosis were recently updated because there is so much variation among patients. According to these new guidelines, a patient has PCOS if any of the following situations apply to them.
- Irregular periods AND symptoms of high testosterone, such as abnormal hair growth, female pattern baldness and acne.
- Irregular periods AND elevated testosterone levels on bloodwork.
- Either irregular periods or signs of high testosterone AND the appearance of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (20 or more follicles on either ovary or increased ovarian volume) or elevated AMH level (a hormone produced by early follicles in the ovaries).
Our Austin PCOS specialists use this new set of criteria to make a diagnosis in our patients.
What type of testing can help you get a PCOS diagnosis?
Understanding the diagnostic criteria is just one part of answering the question, “How is PCOS diagnosed?” The second component involves looking at the different types of testing and questions that can help with making a PCOS diagnosis.
When you visit our Austin PCOS specialists and polycystic ovary syndrome is suspected, your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms. Learning about your menstrual cycle and physical symptoms like acne and abnormal hair growth can help with making a diagnosis.
After discussing your symptoms and medical history, you can expect your doctor to perform a physical exam and order diagnostic testing.
It is also important to exclude other diseases that may cause similar symptoms to PCOS. Additionally, PCOS increases the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease, so you may also have other bloodwork like a lipid panel or glucose tolerance test. All these tests come together to provide the full picture of your physical and reproductive health.
If you think you might have PCOS, our team of experts can help you find out for sure. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
