How is PCOS diagnosed?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disease in women of reproductive age. Its prevalence varies greatly depending on the diagnostic criteria used. Here at The Female Curve, we have gone through the evidence and the best criteria for diagnosing PCOS appears to be the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria.
The Rotterdam criteria requires two of the three features for the diagnosis of PCOS:
1) Ovulatory dysfunction (OD)
2) Hyperandrogenism (HA)
3) Polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM)
Use of the Rotterdam criteria means there is four PCOS phenotypes: A) HA+OD+PCOM; B) HA+OD, C) HA+PCOM, and D) OD+PCOM
To test for these:
1) Oligomenorrhea = cycles more than 35 days apart but less than 6 months apart
Amenorrhea = absence of menstruation for 6 to 12 months after a cyclic pattern has been established
S2) Diagnosed clinically by the presence of excessive acne, androgenic alopecia, or hirsutism, or chemically, by high serum levels of total, bioavailable, or free testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.
3) Transvaginal ultrasound is considered the gold standard. Criteria for a polycystic ovary have been updated given the improvements in imaging since proposal back in 2003 when it was 12 or more follicles, measuring between 2 and 9 mm. Recent international PCOS consensus statement defines The Follicle number per ovary (FNPO) as 20 or more follicles per ovary.
If you have concerns about whether you may have PCOS, always consult your GP or Healthcare professional to look into your female health.
Struggling with your PCOS symptoms? Feeling alone on your female health journey? Don’t worry, we are here!
Sign up to our PCOS Program today! Our PCOS Program is specifically designed for woman with a PCOS diagnosis to help them take control of their bodies and feel stronger and healthier than ever before.