One of the most common causes of infertility in women is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

One of every 10 women of childbearing age suffers from this disease that causes multiple, fluid filled cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can lead to missed or irregular periods, infertility, hormone imbalances and complications with your heart and blood vessels.

Another reproductive concern is that pregnant women with PCOS experience higher rates of miscarriages, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and premature delivery.
Are You At Risk? Experts have yet to determine the exact cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, but believe it could be genetic. Women who have PCOS cannot process insulin, and that causes the body to produce high levels of androgens (male hormones). One way to spot excessive androgen production is the presence of acne, extreme hair growth on places like your face or back, weight gain and ovulation problems. Many women believe that PCOS will go away with the onset of menopause. The opposite can happen. And if you suffer from this disorder before the age of 40 you’re at an even higher risk for endometrial cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure as well as high LDL and low HDL levels.

The Polycystic Ovary Syndome Screening consists of the following tests:

FSH, LH, and Estradiol	Checks levels of these hormones that stimulate ovarian follicles and ovulation.
Prolactin	Prolactin is a single-chain protein hormone closely related to growth hormone.
Glucose and Insulin	A person with diabetes doesn’t produce and/or effectively utilize insulin.
Lipid Panel	The Lipids Panel can determine if you have abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels
TSH	Analyzes your thryroid for hyper- and hypothyroidism.
hcG	Testing hCG levels is also important to monitor the health of a pregnancy during the first trimester.
Testosterone, Free (Direct), Serum with Total	This test can indicate problems with infertility
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)	A SHBG test is primarily ordered to evaluate the status of a patient’s androgens - the male hormones.

To diagnose PCOS, your doctor may order blood work to check hormone levels, insulin and glucose – ANY LAB TEST NOW® can detect all of these in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome screening. You don’t need an appointment and no insurance is required. All tests are confidential and can be taken anonymously.