When and how to get tested for PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome can be an isolating and frustrating condition. It often takes months or years for women to be diagnosed with PCOS — some only discover their PCOS when facing infertility. It’s important to know when and how you should get tested for PCOS.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is frustrating not only because of its physical symptoms, but because of its difficulty to diagnose. At least one-third of women with PCOS report that their diagnosis process lasted 2 years or more — and required upwards of 3 healthcare providers.

PCOS is a complex health condition to pinpoint because of its wide range of symptoms. Women often present with completely different symptoms, of which not all women with PCOS experience. In fact, PCOS symptoms are likely to fluctuate over the course of a woman’s life.

Ultimately, the most well-documented symptoms of PCOS impact metabolic functions, fertility, and mental health. It can be stressful to identify PCOS, which is incurable. Fortunately, PCOS can be managed with the right lifestyle and treatments.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome — known as PCOS — is a health condition that impacts hormonal and metabolic health. PCOS affects roughly 10% of women, who often develop an excessive amount of male hormones called androgens.

The influx of male hormones affects the menstrual cycle, often resulting in a significant disruption in ovulation. Hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS lead to the growth of small cysts on a woman’s ovaries, which blocks the monthly release of eggs.

Common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Excessive hair growth
• Unusual hair loss
• Significant weight gain
• Irregular periods
• Hormonal acne

Because PCOS behaves by intercepting ovulation — and ultimately pregnancy — PCOS is known to be the leading cause of infertility in women. Because of the diversity of symptoms PCOS produces, many women don’t realize they are being affected by the condition until they try to start a family.

PCOS can be challenging to diagnose because of the wide range of symptoms it produces. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a variety of tests to diagnose potential PCOS.

What are the signs of PCOS?

One of the reasons PCOS is so elusive when it comes to diagnosis is that its symptoms often mimic other conditions. In addition to the wide range of symptoms, women often experience these symptoms in varying levels of severity.

Such a nebulous collection of symptoms and severity means that there is no universal way to diagnose PCOS. Healthcare providers often use a combination of blood tests, ultrasounds, physical exams, and medical history to diagnose PCOS.

Some healthcare providers look for specific criteria to identify PCOS in their patients. Criteria may include:

• Missing, unpredictable, or heavy periods. Irregular and unmanageable periods may point to PCOS. The unpredictability of a woman’s period is often caused by disruptions in ovulation.
• Hormonal symptoms. Healthcare providers can identify PCOS by symptoms related to excessive androgens. These include unwanted hair growth on the body and face, thinning hair, persistent acne, weight gain, and unusual darkening of the skin around wrinkles or folds.
• Cysts on the ovaries. Occasionally, PCOS will result in a collection of cysts on the ovaries. Not all women with PCOS present with cysts, and not all women who experience cysts have PCOS.

If you regularly experience one or more of symptoms related to PCOS, talk to your doctor about your concerns.

How can PCOS be treated?

While there is no clear cause of PCOS, it is likely a combination of environmental factors — such as obesity — and genetics. Excess weight is thought to aggravate PCOS through insulin resistance.

With this in mind, treatment for PCOS varies depending on your specific lifestyle and symptoms. Some treatment plans include:

• Acne medication. If you are experiencing severe acne and posses no disqualifying factors, your doctor may prescribe spironolactone to help you manage your PCOS-related acne.
• Birth control. If your primary symptom is an irregular or unmanageable period, your health care provider is likely to recommend birth control.
• Weight management. Because obesity and PCOS are often linked, your healthcare provider may implement changes in your nutrition and fitness habits to help you lose weight in a healthy manner. Typical plans may include reducing refined sugars and carbs, exercising daily, and cutting out alcohol. Maintaining a healthy weight and an active lifestyle is key to managing your PCOS symptoms.

In addition to your physical symptoms, your plans for starting a family will have an impact on your treatment plan. If you are hoping to become pregnant soon, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that supports your fertility and eventual pregnancy.

When to talk to your doctor about PCOS

No matter what your age, it is important to manage PCOS symptoms in a way that supports your overall health. When it comes to understanding PCOS and creating the best treatment plan for your needs, your health care provider should be your primary resource.

Your doctor can help you learn more about the way PCOS is diagnosed and how it may impact your lifestyle moving forward. If you haven’t previously been diagnosed with PCOS, your doctor will discuss whether testing is right for you.

It is likely that your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history, exam, and inquiry about your current lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss your current nutrition, fitness habits, and more with your doctor.

Alpha Medical offers online medical consultations as well as prescriptions for birth control and other medications. To get started, you will complete an online consultation and an Alpha Provider will work with you to help you best manage your health.

To learn more about the conditions Alpha addresses and start your online consultation, visit our website.