There’s
no test to definitively diagnose PCOS. Your doctor is likely to start with a
discussion of your medical history, including your menstrual periods and weight
changes. A physical exam will include checking for signs of excess hair growth,
insulin resistance and acne.
Your
doctor might then recommend:
•A
pelvic exam. The doctor visually and manually inspects your
reproductive organs for masses, growths or other abnormalities.
• Blood
tests. Your blood may be analyzed to measure hormone levels. This
testing can exclude possible causes of menstrual abnormalities or androgen
excess that mimics PCOS. You might have additional blood testing to measure
glucose tolerance and fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• An
ultrasound. Your doctor checks the appearance of your ovaries and the
thickness of the lining of your uterus. A wandlike device (transducer) is
placed in your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). The transducer emits sound
waves that are translated into images on a computer screen.
If
you have a diagnosis of PCOS, your doctor might recommend additional tests for
complications. Those tests can include:
•
Periodic checks of blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and cholesterol and
triglyceride levels
•
Screening for depression and anxiety
•
Screening for obstructive sleep apnea
How
is it treated?
Lifestyle
changes: Your
doctor may recommend weight loss through a low-calorie diet combined with
moderate exercise activities. Even a modest reduction in your weight –
for example, losing five per cent of your body weight – might
improve your condition. Losing weight may also increase the effectiveness of
medications your doctor recommends for PCOS, and can help with infertility.
Regular
exercise, healthy foods, and weight control are the key treatments for PCOS.
Treatment can reduce unpleasant symptoms and help prevent long-term health
problems.
• Try
to fit in moderate activity and/or vigorous activity often. Walking is a great
exercise that most people can do.
• Eat
heart-healthy foods. This includes lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and
whole grains. It limits foods that are high in saturated fat, such as meats,
cheeses, and fried foods.
•
Most women who have PCOS can benefit from losing weight. Even losing 10 lb (4.5
kg) may help get your hormones in balance and regulate your menstrual cycle.
• If
you smoke, consider quitting. Women who smoke have higher androgen levels that
may contribute to PCOS symptoms.1
Your
doctor also may prescribe birth control pills to reduce symptoms to help you
have regular menstrual cycles, or fertility medicines if you are having trouble
getting pregnant.
