Talk to your GP if you have any symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and may check your blood pressure. This will help rule out other possible causes.
They will ask you questions about your periods, such as:
- what age you were when you got your first period
- if you get your period every month
- if you have painful or heavy periods
They might also ask if you have noticed:
- weight gain
- excessive hair growth
- hair loss
- acne
Tests for PCOS
If your GP thinks you have PCOS, you might need some tests.
This is to:
- confirm the diagnosis
- check for other causes of hormone imbalance
Your GP may also weigh and examine you.
Blood tests
You may have blood tests to check your hormone levels.
If you have PCOS, you may have higher levels of testosterone than usual.
Your GP might also recommend blood tests to check for diabetes and high cholesterol.
Ultrasound scan
Your GP might refer you for an ultrasound scan. This can show whether you have a lot of follicles in your ovaries that look bigger than usual (polycystic ovaries). Follicles are the fluid-filled sacs where the eggs develop.
Having polycystic ovaries does not mean you have PCOS. Polycystic ovaries are common, particularly in young women and teenagers.
Diagnosing PCOS
You may be diagnosed with PCOS if you're an adult and have at least 2 of the following:
- irregular periods, infrequent periods or no periods at all
- excess hair growth on your face or body or high levels of testosterone in your blood
- an ultrasound scan that shows you have polycystic ovaries
You may not need to have an ultrasound scan to confirm PCOS.
You may also be diagnosed with PCOS if other conditions have been ruled out.
Referral to a specialist
If you have PCOS, your GP will treat you. Your treatment will depend on the symptoms you have.
They may also refer you to a specialist.
This could be:
- a gynaecologist - a specialist in treating conditions of the female reproductive system
- an endocrinologist - a specialist in treating hormone problems
- a fertility specialist - if you're trying to get pregnant
Your GP or specialist will discuss the best way to manage your symptoms. They may recommend lifestyle changes and start you on any medicine you need.
Follow-up
If you have PCOS, you may need to be checked every year for:
This will depend on your age and weight.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
