Accurate Diagnosis Of PCOS

The above mentioned signs and symptoms are often related to a multitude of conditions so to be accurately diagnosed with PCOS you must show at least two of the following to fit the criteria for PCOS:

• Irregular or infrequent periods and anovulation — not releasing eggs
• A blood test that shows high levels of male hormones such as testosterone
• Scans that show you have polycystic ovaries

Only if you have 2 out of 3 of these results will a doctor diagnose PCOS, as the symptoms alone are not enough to warrant such a diagnosis.

Living with PCOS

PCOS cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be controlled and managed. There are lots of different treatments available as many people suffer from a combination of symptoms and not all.

Measure your BMI to establish if you are at a healthy level and if not take steps such as diet and exercise to improve the symptoms of PCOS. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet to get the vitamins and minerals that you need as well as switching to wholegrain varieties of bread and pasta.

In terms of medication there are a few options that can be taken depending on the severity of your symptoms. Outlined below are the options your doctor may discuss with you:

• Irregular or absent periods. Usually patients are advised to take the contraceptive pill to induce regular periods or the alternative is to take progesterone tablets which are taken intermittently to induce an immediate period. This also reduces the long term risk of developing cancer of the womb lining which has been linked to not having periods.
• Fertility problems. When the time comes where you want to try to get pregnant, you should see your doctor as fertility treatment is the most common form of treatment sought after by PCOS sufferers. There are a range of fertility boosting drugs that your doctor can try.
• Unwanted hair growth. There are some medications that can help to control excessive hair growth and they are usually found in the combined contraceptive pill.

See Also: PCOS Treatment Options

Living with PCOS does not need to be life changing but there are going to be elements of your life that are different. Many people are glad to have a lack of menstruation but take responsibility and seek treatment to induce periods because this can have complications later in life. Also don't be afraid to seek help from others as its estimated that 1 on 5 women have some element of PCOS symptoms so join an online forum or ask friends if you think you may have the condition or are newly diagnosed — or if that fails comment below, as I am a PCOS sufferer myself!