Hormone Analysis for Suspected PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 5–10% of all women of reproductive age and is one of the most common hormonal imbalances. PCOS affects women's health in various ways, ranging from irregular menstruation and increased body hair to weight gain and fertility issues. Understanding the hormonal changes behind PCOS is crucial for diagnosing and treating the condition effectively. PCOS may also increase the risk or be related to other health problems such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. With early detection and proper management, many of these risks, as well as associated discomfort and symptoms, can be minimized.
Specialist Gynecologist Report
Understanding and managing PCOS begins with getting a clear picture of your hormone levels. The PCOS package includes a personalized response from a specialist gynecologist who helps you interpret your test results in relation to your symptoms and medical history. Follow-up via telephone or video is included.
Your hormone levels have a crucial impact on both the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. Elevated androgen levels, hormonal imbalances, and indications of insulin resistance are some of the conditions commonly seen in women with PCOS. By analyzing these hormone levels, you can identify the underlying causes of any symptoms, which in turn can be helpful for tailored treatment.
The PCOS test is recommended if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Irregular or absent menstruation (signs of ovulation disruption)
- Increased body hair (hirsutism), acne, or hair loss
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Difficulty getting pregnant due to ovulation issues
- Dark skin patches or indications of insulin resistance
The following blood tests are included in the PCOS package
- Total Testosterone: Elevated testosterone levels are common in PCOS and can lead to increased body hair, acne, and hair loss. By analyzing this hormone, we can assess whether your androgen (male hormone) levels are elevated, which is a key marker for PCOS.
- SHBG: A hormone that binds to other sex hormones, testosterone, and estradiol. A lower concentration of SHBG can result in higher levels of free testosterone, which may cause symptoms like hirsutism and acne. SHBG levels provide important information regarding overall hormone balance.
- DHEAS: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is another androgen often elevated in women with PCOS. Measuring DHEAS can help confirm androgen excess, especially when testosterone levels are borderline or normal.
- FSH and LH: PCOS can cause an imbalance between FSH and LH, where LH is often significantly higher than FSH. This is a typical hormonal imbalance that can disrupt ovulation, affecting menstruation and fertility.
- Prolactin: High prolactin levels can lead to irregular periods and infertility, and symptoms may sometimes be mistaken for PCOS. By analyzing prolactin, we ensure that any symptoms are not due to hyperprolactinemia.
- TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism can produce symptoms similar to PCOS, such as weight gain, fatigue, and irregular periods. The TSH test helps rule out any thyroid issues.
- Fasting Glucose and Insulin: PCOS is strongly related to insulin resistance. Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Measuring both fasting glucose and insulin helps detect signs of insulin resistance at an early stage, allowing for preventive measures.
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): High levels of AMH are often associated with PCOS, as AMH reflects ovarian activity. This test can help assess ovarian reserve and identify signs of PCOS.
By analyzing your hormone levels, you gain better insight into identifying possible PCOS, while also ruling out suspicions of other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. The hormone health check provides a comprehensive overview of your hormone balance and helps doctors offer further recommendations and advice to improve your quality of life. With the right care, treatment, and support, many of the issues associated with PCOS can be alleviated or managed over time.
