How is PCOS/PMOS diagnosed?
Bottom linePCOS/PMOS is diagnosed by the Rotterdam criteria, needing at least 2 of 3 features after excluding other conditions: irregular or absent ovulation (irregular periods), signs of high androgens (acne, excess hair, or blood tests), and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound, so you can be diagnosed without ovarian cysts on a scan. The workup includes history, exam, blood tests, ultrasound, and metabolic checks, with thyroid and prolactin problems ruled out first.
PCOS/PMOS is diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria, which require at least 2 of 3 main features (after ruling out other conditions).
The three criteria
- Irregular or absent ovulation - shown by irregular, infrequent, or missing periods
- Signs of high androgens - either physical (acne, excess facial/body hair, scalp hair thinning) or on a blood test
- Polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound - many small follicles
You need 2 of these 3, so you can be diagnosed even without ovarian "cysts" on a scan.
What the workup involves
- Medical history - periods, symptoms, family history
- Physical exam - signs of high androgens, blood pressure, BMI
- Blood tests - androgens, plus tests to exclude thyroid problems, high prolactin, and other causes
- Pelvic ultrasound - to look at the ovaries
- Metabolic checks - blood sugar and cholesterol, given the insulin-resistance and diabetes links
Why other conditions are excluded first
Thyroid disorders, high prolactin, and some others can mimic PCOS/PMOS, so they're ruled out before diagnosis.
What to bring
A record of your cycle pattern is genuinely useful for the "irregular ovulation" criterion.
See what is PMOS and track your cycles with the Menstrual Cycle Calculator.
Femora's cycle history gives your clinician concrete evidence of irregular ovulation.
Sources
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Diagnosis - NHS.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Diagnosis - Mayo Clinic.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Office on Women's Health.