Diagnosis of PCOS

[Lunalove123]

Hi, I’ve recently been diagnosed with PCOS through blood tests should I push for a scan as well or can PCOS be confirmed just through bloods. When I had my bloods done 2 years ago when I first went to the doctors for my symptoms they came back normal and they ruled out PCOS and didn’t take it any further until I recently went back as I hadn’t had a period for 1 year. The doctor said my bloods point towards PCOS but that to me doesn’t seem to completely confirm it. I was in shock when she first told me so didn’t ask about a scan. I’m 24 my only symptom is having irregular periods, I do suffer with some spots but nothing bad just get a few on my neck and around my jaw line and I am a healthy weight and this seemed to be the reason they always told me I didn’t have it when I would bring it up at appointments until now. I see a lot of people talking about diet to help with symptoms is this just to lose weight or can this help regulate periods? The doctor has given me a pill to bring on a period that I take 3 times a year as I didn’t want to go on the pill as I don’t like the side effects, but there is nothing else I can do unless I’m trying for a baby.

Thanks

[LisaEB]

I'd ask for a scan then you'd know. I didn't have periods and when I was about your age, slim, not spotty, not overly hairy..and doctors would look at me and say I didn't have it ..I went for a pill refill appointment and the doctor then asked me about my periods and she told me it wasn't normal..but I didn't look like I had PCOS..I had a scan and I had cysts..so I think its good to have that confirmed. I think mine might actually be PCO without the symptoms of the PCOS. There is no harm in asking.

[Cats-and-plants]

Hiya! For a formal diagnosis you need to meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria:

-you have irregular periods or infrequent periods – this indicates that your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulate)

-blood tests showing you have high levels of "male hormones", such as testosterone (or sometimes just the signs of excess male hormones, even if the blood test is normal)

-scans showing you have polycystic ovaries

As only 2 of these need to be present to diagnose PCOS, you will not necessarily need to have an ultrasound scan before the condition can be confirmed.

(That’s copied from the NHS page on PCOS).

It might be worthwhile pushing for scans, as irregular period can be an indicator of something other than PCOS. But speaking to your doctor and pushing doe answers is always the best way forward.

Some people find that going gluten and dairy free can be really beneficial in regulating periods, due to the insulin resistance that can come with PCOS. There’s lots of helpful insta pages for diet and PCOS.

Hopes this helps, and good luck!