PCOS Lab Panel: The Tests You Need for Diagnosis

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, yet many go undiagnosed for years. The right lab tests can provide crucial insights for diagnosis and management.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by: - Irregular or absent periods - Excess androgen (male hormone) levels - Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

You don't need all three criteria for diagnosis - two of the three is typically sufficient.

Essential PCOS Labs

Androgen Panel - **Total Testosterone:** Often elevated in PCOS - **Free Testosterone:** The active form, more sensitive for detecting excess - **DHEA-S:** Adrenal androgen that may be elevated

Reproductive Hormones - **LH and FSH:** LH/FSH ratio >2:1 is common in PCOS - **Estradiol:** May be normal or elevated - **Progesterone:** Often low due to anovulation - **AMH:** Often elevated in PCOS

Metabolic Tests - **Fasting Insulin:** Insulin resistance is common in PCOS - **Fasting Glucose and HbA1c:** Screen for prediabetes/diabetes - **Lipid Panel:** PCOS increases cardiovascular risk

Thyroid Panel Thyroid dysfunction can mimic PCOS symptoms and should be ruled out.

Understanding Your Results

PCOS is a syndrome, meaning it presents differently in everyone. Your lab results help identify which type of PCOS you have and guide treatment.

References

• Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS Consensus Workshop Group. (2004). Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome. *Fertility and Sterility*, 81(1), 19-25.
• Azziz, R., et al. (2004). The prevalence and features of the polycystic ovary syndrome in an unselected population. *Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism*, 89(6), 2745-2749.
• Legro, R. S., et al. (2013). Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. *Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism*, 98(12), 4565-4592.