How should PCOS be diagnosed?
PCOS should be diagnosed based on physical exam, ultrasound of the ovaries, and the results of various blood tests. Diagnosis is made based on having several of the symptoms listed above. There is some disagreement in the medical community about the diagnostic criteria to be used. Some doctors suggest that at least three of the symptoms must be present to diagnose PCOS, others may make the diagnosis on the basis of fewer criteria (often emphasizing lack of ovulation), while others believe that PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion meaning if there are hormonal abnormalities for which no other explanation can be found, PCOS is presumed. Since there is no consensus as to how PCOS is defined or diagnosed, there should be little surprise when a variety of opinions emerge on how this problem should be treated!
PCOS should be diagnosed based on physical exam, ultrasound of the ovaries, and the results of various blood tests. Diagnosis is made based on having several of the symptoms listed above. There is some disagreement in the medical community about the diagnostic criteria to be used. Some doctors suggest that at least three of the symptoms must be present to diagnose PCOS, others may make the diagnosis on the basis of fewer criteria (often emphasizing lack of ovulation), while others believe that PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion — meaning if there are hormonal abnormalities for which no other explanation can be found, PCOS is presumed. Since there is no consensus as to how PCOS is defined or diagnosed, there should be little surprise when a variety of opinions emerge on how this problem should be treated!
PCOS should be diagnosed by a credible physician who will begin with a basic physical examination. He/she may also want to have an ultrasound done of your ovaries and require a number of blood tests. Be sure to let your physician know if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PCOS. There are a number of doctors who feel that a woman must have at least three of the symptoms prior to diagnosing PCOS. Other doctors may make the diagnosis based on the emphasis on lack of ovulation.
PCOS should be diagnosed based on physical exam, ultrasound of the ovaries, and the results of various blood tests. Diagnosis is made based on having several of the symptoms listed above. There is some disagreement in the medical community about the diagnostic criteria to be used. Some doctors suggest that at least three of the symptoms must be present to diagnose PCOS, others may make the diagnosis on the basis of fewer criteria (often emphasizing lack of ovulation), while others believe that PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion — meaning if there are hormonal abnormalities for which no other explanation can be found, PCOS is presumed. Since there is no consensus as to how PCOS is defined or diagnosed, there should be little surprise when a variety of opinions emerge on how this problem should be treated! 2.6 How are polycystic ovaries diagnosed by ultrasound? An ultrasound of the ovaries is usually done transvaginally — where a probe is placed into the vagina to gain view of the ovaries.
