About 8-13% of reproductive-age women experience Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The signs of PCOS can be subtle in young females, making diagnosis tricky. With symptoms that often overlap with normal puberty, many cases go unnoticed for years. Learning how PCOS is diagnosed can prevent delays in treatment and lead to better long-term health.
1. Medical History and Symptom Assessment
The first step in diagnosing PCOS is discussing your medical history and current symptoms that might include irregular periods, excess body hair and/or thinning hair, and weight gain. This can help your doctor look for signals that could indicate another possible source of your symptoms, and may also identify a possible family history of PCOS that will help identify if genetics play a role.
Your doctor will use this information as a baseline starting point for measuring treatment success if you have a PCOS diagnosis.
2. Physical Examination
Because PCOS can manifest in so many physical ways, your doctor will want to perform a complete physical exam. This will include a general health check, such as measuring weight and calculating body mass index (BMI), and looking for darkened skin patches that could indicate insulin resistance. A pelvic exam will determine whether ovarian cysts or any other medical conditions might be causing your symptoms.
3. Laboratory Tests
You may also be requested to undergo blood tests at a lab to evaluate your hormone levels. Insulin resistance is commonly associated with PCOS, and insulin and glucose tests will also show how your body processes sugar. Your doctor may also request thyroid tests since some symptoms overlap between PCOS and thyroid conditions. You’ll want to rule out a thyroid disorder, which would require a different treatment plan.
4. Imaging Studies
Your doctor may want to perform a pelvic ultrasound as part of a pelvic exam to check for cysts and the overall structure of your reproductive system. These tests are not always done, as it is the discretion of the doctor to determine their appropriateness on a young woman.
5. Diagnostic Criteria
Once your doctor has all of the necessary information and data, they’ll use it to compare against diagnostic criteria to determine if a young woman has PCOS. The most common method is the Rotterdam Criteria which requires at least two of the following:
- Irregular or absent ovulation
- Signs of excessive hair growth and acne
- Polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound
Your doctor will also compare test results against other diagnostic criteria to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. If there is a possibility that a symptom could have another cause, the doctor may require additional exams to help create a customized treatment plan.
6. Monitoring and Follow-Up
Once your doctor makes a PCOS diagnosis, they’ll create a treatment to help you manage or alleviate your symptoms, and request regular check-ins and follow-up visits. Because young women experience several changes as they go through puberty, symptoms can change. Follow-up visits allow the doctor to address new symptoms and, if necessary, modify the treatment plan.
Your doctor will also want to talk about lifestyle choices that can impact PCOS symptoms. As young women become more independent and move out of their parent’s homes, they may also experience lifestyle changes that could have a negative impact on their symptoms. Regular doctor visits can help with smart lifestyle choices when it comes to exercise, diet, and sleep patterns.
7. Emotional and Psychological Support
In addition to the physical changes of puberty, young women are especially susceptible to mental health struggles, along with the possible additional struggles of PCOS. A doctor may recommend counseling or therapy to help sort through complicated feelings of depression, anxiety, body image struggles, or any other psychological issues.
8. Referral to Specialists
Your general practice doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist to take closer look at your hormones, or a gynecologist, who can give better insight into your reproductive health. Young women may experience acne issues, so your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who can better pinpoint the source of skin issues.
Take the First Step Towards Diagnosis
Diagnosing PCOS in young females can be challenging, but it’s an essential first step toward effective management and improved long-term health. With symptoms that often mirror normal puberty, many cases go unnoticed, leading to delayed treatment. By understanding the diagnostic process, you can take control of your health journey and address PCOS early.
Contact Rise Fertility today for expert guidance and personalized care in managing PCOS and to discuss your family building options.
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