PCOS Profile Test
A PCOS Profile Test is a specialized diagnostic panel that evaluates hormonal imbalances, metabolic markers, and other key indicators to confirm PCOS and guide treatment.
Why Is This Test Important?
- Early Diagnosis – Helps manage symptoms before complications arise.
- Personalized Treatment – Guides hormonal therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes.
- Prevents Long-Term Risks – Reduces chances of diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial issues.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a set of symptoms caused by a problem with a woman’s hormones. It affects the ovaries. These are the small organs that store a woman’s eggs. But it can also affect the rest of the body. PCOS is a very common condition in women of childbearing age. In some cases, it can lead to serious health issues if not treated.
What causes PCOS?
PCOS has an unknown cause. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means that the body is unable to use insulin properly. Insulin levels accumulate in the body, which may lead to an increase in androgen levels. Additionally, obesity can worsen PCOS symptoms and raise insulin levels.
Who can develop PCOS?
If your mother or sister has PCOS, you may be at higher risk for developing it yourself. Additionally, being obese or having insulin resistance may increase your risk of developing it.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The symptoms of PCOS may include:
- Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods
- Ovaries that are large or have many cysts
- Extra body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism)
- Weight gain, especially around the belly
- Acne or oily skin
- Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Infertility
- Small pieces of extra skin on the neck or armpits (skin tags)
- Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts.
When is the PCOS Profile Test Ordered?
1. Irregular periods (oligo/amenorrhea)
2. Signs of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, alopecia)
3. Infertility with suspected anovulation
4. Metabolic concerns (obesity, insulin resistance)
5. Ultrasound findings of polycystic ovaries
This test helps in diagnosing PCOS and ruling out other conditions that may mimic its symptoms.
Components of the PCOS Profile Test
| Test | Purpose | PCOS Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| LH (Luteinizing Hormone) | Assess pituitary-ovarian axis | ↑ LH:FSH ratio (>2:1) |
| FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) | Evaluate ovarian reserve | Normal/low (helps exclude menopause) |
| Total Testosterone | Detect hyperandrogenism | ↑ Mild elevation (usually <150 ng/dL) |
| Free Androgen Index | Calculated (Testosterone/SHBG) | ↑ (>5%) |
| SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) | Reflects androgen bioavailability | ↓ (common with insulin resistance) |
| DHEA-S | Adrenal androgen source | Normal/↑ (rules out adrenal tumors) |
| Prolactin | Exclude hyperprolactinemia | Normal (elevated in pituitary adenoma) |
| TSH | Screen for hypothyroidism | Normal (↓ if hypothyroid mimic) |
| AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) | Ovarian follicle count marker | ↑ (>3.5 ng/mL) |
| Fasting Insulin | Assess insulin resistance | ↑ (HOMA-IR >2.5) |
| Fasting Glucose | Screen for diabetes/pre-diabetes | Normal/↑ |
| Lipid Profile | Evaluate metabolic syndrome | ↓ HDL, ↑ Triglycerides |
Interpretation Guide
Diagnosing PCOS (Rotterdam Criteria)
Requires 2 of 3:
- Oligo/anovulation (irregular periods)
- Clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism (↑ testosterone, hirsutism)
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (≥20 follicles/ovary)
Key Patterns
- Classic PCOS: ↑ LH:FSH, ↑ Testosterone, ↑ AMH, ↓ SHBG
- Adrenal PCOS: ↑ DHEA-S (consider adrenal tumor if >500 µg/dL)
- Lean PCOS: Normal insulin but ↑ AMH + hyperandrogenism
- Metabolic PCOS: ↑ Insulin, ↓ SHBG, dyslipidemia
Differential Diagnosis (What PCOS is NOT)
| Condition | Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|
| Thyroid dysfunction | Abnormal TSH, normal androgens |
| Hyperprolactinemia | ↑ Prolactin (>25 ng/mL), galactorrhea |
| NCAH (Non-classic CAH) | ↑ 17-OH progesterone (>2 ng/mL) |
| Cushing’s syndrome | ↑ Cortisol, abnormal dexamethasone test |
How is PCOS treated?
Treatment for PCOS depends on a number of factors like your age, how severe your symptoms are, and your overall health.
The type of treatment may also depend on whether you want to become pregnant in the future.
If you do plan to become pregnant, your treatment may include:
- A change in diet and activity. A healthy diet and more physical activity can help you lose weight and reduce your symptoms. They can also help your body use insulin more efficiently, lower blood glucose levels, and may help you ovulate.
- Medicines to cause ovulation. Medicines can help the ovaries to release eggs normally. These medicines also have certain risks. They can increase the chance of a multiple birth (twins or more). And they can cause ovarian hyperstimulation. This is when the ovaries release too many hormones. It can cause symptoms, such as belly bloating and pelvic pain.
If you don’t plan to become pregnant, your treatment may include:
- Birth control pills. These help to control menstrual cycles, lower androgen levels, and reduce acne.
- Diabetes medicine. This is often used to lower insulin resistance in PCOS. It may also help reduce androgen levels, slow hair growth, and help you ovulate more regularly.
- A change in diet and activity. A healthy diet and more physical activity can help you lose weight and reduce your symptoms. They can also help your body use insulin more efficiently, lower blood glucose levels, and may help you ovulate.
- Medicines to treat other symptoms. Some medicines can help reduce hair growth or acne.
Patient Preparation
- Fasting: Required for glucose/insulin/lipids (8–12 hours).
- Timing: Day 3–5 of menstrual cycle (if cycling).
- Avoid: Biotin supplements (>48h prior – interferes with assays).
Typical Reference Values for PCOS Profile Test
Typical reference ranges for the hormones measured in the PCOS Profile may vary slightly by laboratory but generally include
- Free Testosterone: 0.7 – 3.6 pg/mL
- FSH: 4 – 8 mIU/mL
- LH: 5 – 20 mIU/mL
- Prolactin: < 25 ng/mL
- 17 OHP: < 200 ng/dL
- DHEAS: 35 – 430 µg/dL
- DHT: Levels may vary; consult specific lab ranges.
- FBS: < 100 mg/dL (fasting)
- PPBS: < 140 mg/dL (2 hours post-meal)
- HOMA: < 1.0 indicates normal insulin sensitivity.
Turnaround Time
The results of the PCOS Profile test are usually available within 5 business days after the sample is collected.
FAQ
- Can I have PCOS with normal testosterone?
A: Yes! Up to 30% have only clinical (hirsutism/acne) or only biochemical hyperandrogenism. - Does high AMH = PCOS?
A: Not alone—AMH reflects follicle count but needs clinical correlation. - Why check insulin if I’m not diabetic?
A: 50–70% of PCOS patients have insulin resistance (even if lean).
How To Order PCOS Profile Test
Please click the ‘Order Test’ button and put the PCOS Profile Test in your cart.
You are welcome to visit our laboratory in Kilimani, Nairobi. This will initiate the process for obtaining your test
