When it comes to diagnosing PCOS, three factors need to be met, ovarian dysfunction might not always be down to polycystic ovary syndrome, but these three reasons make it more likely.
The three main symptoms of PCOS are:
- Irregular periods – which means your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulation), meaning you have irregular menstrual cycle patterns
- Excess androgen – High levels of male hormones in your body, meaning you may have excessive hair growth or a larger physique.
- Polycystic ovaries – This is where your ovaries have become enlarged fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround your egg; despite the name, if you are told you have these, you may not have polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS.
To be diagnosed with polycystic ovaries, you must have at least two of these symptoms for a GP or doctors to definitively diagnose PCOS. More often or not, an ultrasound scan will be able to detect whether you have polycystic ovary syndrome, but sometimes blood tests may also be required.