What is PCOS?... Well part of the diagnosis is finding the symptoms. Other tests to confirm the diagnosis include:
 
This is usually done as an internal scan where a small probe is placed just inside the vagina, this can give a better view of the ovaries and pelvic region. In PCOS, the ovaries are found to have multiple, small cysts around the edge of the ovary. The cysts are very small, only a few millimeters in size.

A couple of blood tests will assist in making the diagnosis. One blood test will measure the hormones involved in egg development - in PCOS there is a characteristic rise in LH. A blood test can also be done around seven days before your next expected period, this will check to see if you are ovulating.

Many women have ovaries that are polycystic, but do not have any of the other symptoms or hormone findings as described previously.

• Period problems
• Acne, excessively oily skin or hairiness (hirsutism) due to excess male-type hormones
• Infertility
• Weight gain

PCOS often comes to light during puberty due to period problems. Infrequent, irregular or absent periods are all common problems. The period disturbance is a sign that there may be a problem with ovulation. A delay in diagnosing PCOS may be due to the fact that many women decide to use the contraceptive pill to make the monthly menstrual cycle regular. On stopping taking the pill the menstrual cycle begins to become erratic and there may be absence of a monthly cycle or they may appear to be heavier than normal. Another symptom may be excessive hair growth, this is caused due to an abnormal amount of male hormone present (can be detected from a blood test).

As already mentioned above PCOS can lead to irregular menstruation or no menstruation at all, one common reason to have infertility treatment, although many women will need the aid of fertility treatment some women with PCOS do ovulate normally.

Around 40% of women with PCOS will be overweight, this is again due to excessive hormones, and it can often be very hard to lose the weight.

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