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Diagnosis and Treatment

There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Other possibilities have to be ruled out by your doctor. Your doctor may ask about your medical history, inlcuding your period and weight changes. Your doctor will also perform a physcial exam. There is also no cure for PCOS. However, the symptoms of PCOS can be managed. Your doctor can help you with a treatment plan based on your health and if you plan on having children. You can focus on individual symptoms, make some lifestyle changes, and/or take some medications that may help alleviate some symptoms.

Diagnosis
Physical Exam: The physical exam will measure your blood pressure and BMI. Your doctor may also look at your face, chest, and/or back for excess hair, acne, or discoloration. Your doctor may also check for hair loss and signs of other health conditions like the size of the thyroid gland. Blood Tests: Testing your blood can help with analyzing hormone levels commonly known as male homrones. Your doctor may also check for other hormones that are related to common health issues that could be mistaken for PCOS, such as thyroid disease. Your doctor may also test your cholesterol levels and test you for diabetes. Pelvic Exam: Your doctor may do a pelvic exam to look at your reproductive organs from the outside and inside to check for growths, masses, and abnormalities. This is important because your doctor will be able to feel your uterus and ovaries to determine their condition. Transvaginal Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound is done by your doctor placing a wand-like device in your vagina. This device transmits soundwaves that helps doctors to see your uterus and ovaries. The ultraosund helps doctors analyze the size of your ovaries and if there are cysts in your ovaries as well as the thickness of the uterine lining.

Diagnosis

Physical Exam: The physical exam will measure your blood pressure and BMI. Your doctor may also look at your face, chest, and/or back for excess hair, acne, or discoloration. Your doctor may also check for hair loss and signs of other health conditions like the size of the thyroid gland.

Blood Tests: Testing your blood can help with analyzing hormone levels commonly known as male homrones. Your doctor may also check for other hormones that are related to common health issues that could be mistaken for PCOS, such as thyroid disease. Your doctor may also test your cholesterol levels and test you for diabetes.

Pelvic Exam: Your doctor may do a pelvic exam to look at your reproductive organs from the outside and inside to check for growths, masses, and abnormalities. This is important because your doctor will be able to feel your uterus and ovaries to determine their condition.

Transvaginal Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound is done by your doctor placing a wand-like device in your vagina. This device transmits soundwaves that helps doctors to see your uterus and ovaries. The ultraosund helps doctors analyze the size of your ovaries and if there are cysts in your ovaries as well as the thickness of the uterine lining.

Treatment
Medications: Birth control that contain estrogen and progestin decrease androgen/male hormone production and regulate estrogen. There are also skin patches or vaginal rings that contain estrogen and progestin. They can help regulate irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and can lower your risk of endometrial cancer. Ovulation: If you are trying to get pregnant, your doctor may recommend a few things to help you ovulate. Lifestyle Changes: There are a few things you can try on your own to help manage the symptoms of PCOS. Healthy Weight- Weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce insulin and androgen levels. Carbohydrates- Diets that are low-fat and high-carbohydrates may increase insulin levels. Ask your doctor and do some research on low-carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates which help raise your blood sugar levels more gradually. Be Active- Staying active and exercising helps lower blood sugar levels. Exercising and being more active can help with symptoms of PCOS by preventing insulin resistance, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding diabetes.

Treatment

Medications: Birth control that contain estrogen and progestin decrease androgen/male hormone production and regulate estrogen. There are also skin patches or vaginal rings that contain estrogen and progestin. They can help regulate irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and can lower your risk of endometrial cancer.

Ovulation: If you are trying to get pregnant, your doctor may recommend a few things to help you ovulate.

Lifestyle Changes: There are a few things you can try on your own to help manage the symptoms of PCOS. Healthy Weight- Weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce insulin and androgen levels. Carbohydrates- Diets that are low-fat and high-carbohydrates may increase insulin levels. Ask your doctor and do some research on low-carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates which help raise your blood sugar levels more gradually. Be Active- Staying active and exercising helps lower blood sugar levels. Exercising and being more active can help with symptoms of PCOS by preventing insulin resistance, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding diabetes.