Among reproductive-aged women, PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder. In the US alone, more than five million women suffer from this condition. PCOS is diagnosed based on two of three criteria: androgen excess, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. However, the exact blood tests that determine whether you have PCOS can vary.
hCG
The hCG blood test for PCOS is a standard procedure used to diagnose the condition. Women with this condition will have lower FSH and LH levels than normal, and a ratio of 2.0 is considered suggestive. However, this test is not highly sensitive or specific. This is because it can miss other conditions that mimic PCOS, such as insulin resistance and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Women with PCOS should only take the test if their last period was over two weeks ago. They should avoid tests that claim to detect pregnancy six days before the woman’s missed period, as these may yield false negative results. Additionally, women with PCOS should avoid early result pregnancy tests, which may result in a false negative. Women with PCOS should work with their OB-GYN to determine the right timing for pregnancy testing.
anti-mullerian hormone
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a blood test that measures the amount of this hormone in a woman’s blood. This hormone is produced by the follicles of the ovary and plays a key role in the development of the sex organs within the womb. The hormone is produced by the cells of the ovary’s follicles, or antral follicles. The follicles produce the anti-Mullerian hormone in the antral area, which is where ovulation takes place.
The serum AMH level is a marker of PCOS. The high level of AMH in a woman’s blood may be a sign of the syndrome, which can lead to an increased risk of pregnancy. Although the disease is not a curable cause of infertility, women who are experiencing symptoms of PCOS should have their AMH levels tested regularly to see if it’s causing them to develop the condition.
DHEA-sulphate
The DHEA-sulphate blood test is a noninvasive, inexpensive, and nonspecific test for PCOS. The test measures levels of the hormone in your blood. When it is elevated, it may indicate a tumor or enlarged adrenal gland. In other cases, abnormal levels of the hormone can signal polycystic ovarian syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Treatment for PCOS includes hormone therapy or surgery.
The DHEA-sulfate blood test is also useful for evaluating whether your adrenal glands are functioning correctly. Overproduction of DHEA-S in the body can lead to early puberty or pubic hair, which are symptoms of precocious puberty. This test can help your doctor rule out any underlying conditions. If you have an abnormal result, consult your doctor.
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