TEST

WHY IT SHOULD BE DONE

Glucose tolerance test

To evaluate for elevated or low levels of glucose and to evaluate for diabetes.

Fasting lipid profile

Some patients with PCOS have elevated cholesterol levels.

Fasting insulin

To determine if the patient is insulin resistant. High insulin levels have been associated with increased androgen and prolactin levels.

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

To determine the LH/FSH ratio and the function of the ovaries.

LH (luitenizing hormone)

Women with PCOS may have chronically high levels of LH.

17 OH progesterone

To evaluate congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition similar to PCOS that involves the adrenal gland.

Prolactin

This level may be elevated in some women with PCOS. Elevated levels can inhibit ovulation.

DHEAS

This is the main male hormone of the adrenal gland.

Testosterone

Elevated LH levels lead to elevated androgen production, including testosterone.

Thyroid

The status of the thyroid function may have an impact on the menstrual cycle.

TEST

WHY IT MIGHT BE DONE

Dexamethasone androgen suppression test

Cortisol

Serial FSH/LH levels

This may be done every 15-20 minutes for at least four hours.

GnRH agonist

Diagnostic Laparoscopy in PCOS

Many patients with PCOS have a distinctive thick enlarged ovary.  When a laparoscopy is performed, the ovaries may appear enlarged and smoothly contoured.  This swollen appearance is due to the presence of multiple small cyst contained under the capsule of the ovary.