POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME: A Complete Guide to Understanding, Managing, and Overcoming PCOS by Steven Dr. Williams A

Author:Steven, Dr. Williams A.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-19T00:00:00+00:00

The Diagnostic Criteria: How Doctors Confirm PCOS

Diagnosing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) involves a comprehensive approach that takes into account a woman’s medical history, symptoms, and several diagnostic tests. There is no single test to confirm PCOS. Instead, doctors use a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to make the diagnosis. The most widely used criteria for diagnosing PCOS are known as the Rotterdam Criteria, introduced in 2003 by a consensus of medical experts. These criteria require that a woman present with at least two out of the following three key features to be diagnosed with PCOS:

Irregular or Absent Menstrual Cycles

One of the hallmark signs of PCOS is irregular periods or the complete absence of menstruation (amenorrhea). This indicates ovulatory dysfunction, meaning the ovaries are not releasing eggs (ovulation) regularly, which is crucial for conception.

● Oligomenorrhea refers to infrequent periods, typically defined as fewer than eight periods in a year.

● Amenorrhea is when periods are absent for three months or longer without pregnancy or menopause being the cause.

Doctors assess the menstrual history of the patient to see if this criterion is met. If menstrual irregularities are present, it raises suspicion of PCOS.

Signs of Excess Androgens

PCOS is often associated with higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones like testosterone) in the body. Excess androgen activity can manifest in several ways:

● Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth, particularly in areas like the face, chest, back, or abdomen. This is the most visible and commonly reported sign of high androgen levels in women with PCOS.

● Acne and oily skin: Increased androgens can cause more oil production in the skin, leading to acne outbreaks.

● Male-pattern baldness: Thinning hair, especially at the crown or temples, mimicking male-pattern hair loss.

Doctors assess for these physical symptoms or may conduct blood tests to measure levels of testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) to confirm excess androgen production.

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