All blood draws are performed by trained phlebotomists
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Blood Test
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by a combination of symptoms that can include irregular menstrual periods, excess androgen levels (male hormones), and polycystic ovaries.
Here are some of the hormones measured during the PCOS blood test:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Levels may be normal or slightly elevated in PCOS.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH): Elevated LH levels relative to FSH levels are a common finding in PCOS.
- Testosterone: Total testosterone and free testosterone levels may be elevated in PCOS, contributing to symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne.
- Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG): Reduced SHBG levels are often observed in PCOS, leading to increased levels of free testosterone.
- Oestradiol: Levels may be normal or slightly elevated in PCOS.
- Prolactin: Elevated prolactin levels may indicate other underlying conditions such as a pituitary disorder, which can mimic symptoms of PCOS.
- Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides: PCOS is associated with dyslipidaemia, characterized by elevated LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and decreased HDL cholesterol.
This blood test along with clinical symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, acne, and imaging studies such as pelvic ultrasound, help in the diagnosis of PCOS. However, it’s essential to interpret these results in the context of an individual’s clinical presentation, as PCOS can vary widely in its symptoms and severity among affected individuals. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider experienced in managing PCOS is necessary for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Here are some red flag symptoms and signs associated with PCOS:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women with PCOS often have irregular menstrual periods, which may be infrequent, unpredictable, or absent altogether. This irregularity is due to disruptions in the normal ovulation process.
- Excess Androgen Levels: Elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) are common in women with PCOS, leading to symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back), acne, and male-pattern baldness or hair thinning.
- Polycystic Ovaries: On ultrasound imaging, the ovaries of women with PCOS may appear enlarged and contain multiple small fluid-filled sacs called follicles, which give the appearance of a “polycystic” appearance.
- Insulin Resistance: Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin. This can lead to high insulin levels in the blood, which in turn can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
- Weight Gain or Obesity: While not all women with PCOS are overweight or obese, many women with the condition experience weight gain or have difficulty losing weight. Insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can contribute to weight gain.
- Skin Changes: In addition to acne and hirsutism, women with PCOS may experience other skin changes, such as darkening of the skin (acanthosis nigricans), particularly in areas such as the neck, groin, or underarms.
- Difficulty Conceiving: PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women, primarily due to irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation altogether. Women with PCOS may have difficulty conceiving naturally and may require medical intervention to achieve pregnancy.
- Metabolic Symptoms: Some women with PCOS may experience metabolic symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty losing weight, increased hunger or cravings, and changes in cholesterol levels.
It’s important to note that not all women with PCOS will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Additionally, PCOS is a complex and multifactorial condition with potential long-term health implications, so it’s essential for women experiencing symptoms suggestive of PCOS to seek evaluation and treatment from a healthcare provider specializing in reproductive health. Early diagnosis and management of PCOS can help alleviate symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and improve overall quality of life.
You should take this test after any symptoms of a short term illness have settled.
- Drink plenty of water about an hour before the appointment.
- Avoid coffee/tea/energy drinks.
*Turnaround time
The tests take time to be delivered, prepared and analysed, therefore the turnaround time varies from test-to-test