Posted by Steven D Spandorfer, MD on August 10, 19100 at 07:00:24:
In Reply to: Q: Are blood tests needed to confirm PCOS? posted by Theresa M on August 09, 19100 at 23:06:19:
: My ob/gyn just told me she sees 2 small cysts on the ultrasound photos of my right ovary (left ovary is fine). She said my right ovary measured 4.7 cm; whereas a normal ovary measures 3-3.5 cm. I believe I have PCOS based on my symptoms of irregular periods, chin hair, and family history of adult onset diabetes. Does this ultrasound confirm PCOS or do I need to get test result from blood work to confirm?
PCOS is a syndrome diagnosed by irregular periods (not ovulating) and excessive expression of androgens (ie hair growth or even head hair loss). A sonogram is not necessarily needed. You should have certain bloods tests including but not limited to thyroid and prolactin to evaluate for treatable conditions. It is important to be thorough and complete in one's evaluation.