Could it be PCOS? Signs to Discuss With Your Doctor and Tests to Start With
Could it be PCOS? Signs to Discuss With Your Doctor and Tests to Start With
Understanding PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine condition in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) who are in their childbearing years. This condition affects multiple body systems and is associated with various hormonal imbalances. There are several symptoms associated with PCOS. If you’re wondering about symptoms you’re experiencing, this article will cover whether it could be PCOS, signs to discuss with your doctor, and tests to start with to evaluate your symptoms.
PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalances that can result in several symptoms. The condition generally results in multiple cysts forming in the ovaries, which is where the condition gets its name. During the menstrual cycle, the ovaries prepare numerous follicles. One of these follicles generally matures more than the others and becomes dominant. This dominant follicle releases an egg during the ovulation phase of the cycle. If someone has PCOS, the ovary may produce lots of follicles but no dominant follicle, so ovulation doesn’t occur.
Signs and Symptoms of PCOS
As a syndrome, PCOS is associated with multiple signs and symptoms.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Irregular menstrual cycles are one of the most common symptoms of PCOS. Irregular menses in PCOS are usually the result of the lack of regular ovulation. People who have PCOS may start periods later than average and may also have heavy periods. Lack of regular ovulation and menses may contribute to infertility.
Unexplained Weight Gain
PCOS is associated with obesity. The condition can also cause insulin resistance and can contribute to weight gain. Not everyone with PCOS will experience weight gain, but the weight gain associated with PCOS is usually concentrated around the abdomen.
Excess Hair Growth
Hirsutism, a form of excessive hair growth in a typically male pattern, is common in people with PCOS. In fact, PCOS is the most common cause of this condition. This is generally due to the hormone imbalances associated with PCOS. PCOS is associated with elevated levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), two androgenic hormones commonly present in higher levels in males and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). However, hirsutism may also be seen in people with PCOS who don’t have elevated androgen hormone levels.
Skin Changes
A few skin changes are associated with PCOS. The same hormonal changes that cause hirsutism may also lead to oily skin and acne.
Another skin change that may be seen in PCOS is a condition called acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is a velvety, dark skin condition seen in the armpits and around the neck. This condition is associated with insulin resistance that can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Other Symptoms
PCOS can increase complications of pregnancy, such as miscarriage, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure in pregnancy, preeclampsia, premature delivery, and an increased risk of needing a cesarean section.
PCOS also increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and high cholesterol.
How to Test for PCOS
PCOS is a clinical diagnosis, which means that labs and imaging can be helpful, but cannot make the diagnosis. Healthcare providers may use tools such as the Rotterdam criteria to evaluate the likelihood of PCOS. The Rotterdam criteria include:
- Irregular periods (or history of)
- Signs of excessive androgen hormones (acne, male-pattern hair loss/growth)
- Enlarged ovaries or ovaries with multiple cysts
- High androgen levels in the blood
While bloodwork and imaging studies cannot make the diagnosis, they can help support it.
Blood Tests
Several blood tests can help make the diagnosis of PCOS, including:
- Testosterone levels (total is more useful than free)
- DHEAS
- Progesterone (17-hydroxyprogesterone)
- Estrogens (estradiol)
- Prolactin
Other conditions may cause symptoms similar to PCOS, so your healthcare provider may recommend other labs, such as thyroid testing or testing for type 2 diabetes. The timing of testing in relation to the menstrual cycle is sometimes helpful, so it may be useful to talk to your healthcare provider about the timing of testing.
Imaging Studies
The size of the ovaries and the number of follicles or cysts present can be assessed using ultrasound. This can also sometimes provide a healthcare provider with additional information about other conditions that might be causing the symptoms.
When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider
PCOS is a complex condition that can be hard to diagnose. It can also have long-term health effects. If you suspect that you may have PCOS, talking with a healthcare provider is a good place to start. In addition to testing recommendations, your healthcare provider can help guide you on treatment options, including lifestyle modifications or medications that may help manage the symptoms of PCOS.
Manage Your Hormone Health With Everlywell
Hormone imbalances and PCOS can have a significant impact on your quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of PCOS, or if you want to know more about your hormone health, consider visiting Everlywell.
Everlywell offers a women’s health test that provides insight into several vital biomarkers, including estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, DHEAS, cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. This information may help your healthcare provider determine if PCOS is the source of your symptoms.
If you are looking for insight beyond hormone levels, Everlywell 360 checks 83 biomarkers to provide a comprehensive view of your health.
Our at-home test kits make testing for hormonal abnormalities discreet and easy, and trained, licensed healthcare providers can offer exceptional online care for women’s health to help you develop an individualized plan from the comfort of home. At Everlywell, you can come for the testing and stay for the guidance.