There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. The diagnosis is typically made based on a combination of symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory tests. The following tests may be used to help diagnose PCOS:
Pelvic Exam: Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to check for the presence of small cysts on your ovaries.
Blood Test: Blood tests can be used to check your levels of hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Ultrasound: An ultrasound can be used to check for the presence of cysts on your ovaries.
Glucose Tolerance Test: This test can help determine if you have insulin resistance, a condition that is commonly associated with PCOS.
Blood Lipid Test: This test can be used to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may be elevated in women with PCOS.
It’s important to note that the diagnostic criteria for PCOS have been evolving over the last few years, and now the most accepted criteria is the Rotterdam criteria which require the presence of at least two out of three criteria: ovulatory dysfunction, clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound examination.