PCOS Profile Test
Test Description
A PCOS profile test is a diagnostic panel that evaluates hormonal imbalances, metabolic markers, and other key indicators to confirm PCOS and guide treatment. The PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Profile Test assesses hormonal, metabolic, and endocrine parameters associated with PCOS. It plays a vital role in evaluating women who present with symptoms suggestive of PCOS, such as irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, infertility, acne, or weight gain.
By measuring key markers like luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), androgens, insulin levels, and lipid profile, this test aids in the diagnosis, subtyping, and management planning of PCOS, as well as in ruling out other endocrine disorders with similar presentations.
Clinical Relevance
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects women of reproductive age, with long-term implications on fertility, metabolism, and cardiovascular health. The PCOS Profile Test not only confirms diagnosis using clinical and biochemical criteria but also helps identify the specific phenotype (e.g., classic, lean, metabolic, or adrenal PCOS) to tailor individual therapy. It supports early intervention, which is crucial in preventing complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial hyperplasia.
Test indication
The test is typically ordered in the following scenarios:
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Irregular or absent menstrual cycles (oligo-/amenorrhea)
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Signs of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, alopecia)
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Infertility evaluation, especially with suspected anovulation
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Obesity, insulin resistance, or features of metabolic syndrome
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Ultrasound findings of polycystic ovaries
Components of the PCOS Profile Test
| Test | Purpose | PCOS Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| LH (Luteinizing Hormone) | Assess pituitary-ovarian axis | ↑ LH:FSH ratio (>2:1) |
| FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) | Evaluate ovarian reserve | Normal/low (helps exclude menopause) |
| Total Testosterone | Detect hyperandrogenism | ↑ Mild elevation (usually <150 ng/dL) |
| Free Androgen Index | Calculated (Testosterone/SHBG) | ↑ (>5%) |
| SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) | Reflects androgen bioavailability | ↓ (common with insulin resistance) |
| DHEA-S | Adrenal androgen source | Normal/↑ (rules out adrenal tumors) |
| Prolactin | Exclude hyperprolactinemia | Normal (elevated in pituitary adenoma) |
| TSH | Screen for hypothyroidism | Normal (↓ if hypothyroid mimic) |
| AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) | Ovarian follicle count marker | ↑ (>3.5 ng/mL) |
| Fasting Insulin | Assess insulin resistance | ↑ (HOMA-IR >2.5) |
| Fasting Glucose | Screen for diabetes/pre-diabetes | Normal/↑ |
| Lipid Profile | Evaluate metabolic syndrome | ↓ HDL, ↑ Triglycerides |
Interpretation and Diagnosis
Diagnosis follows the Rotterdam criteria (requires 2 of 3):
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Oligo- or anovulation
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Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism
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Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (≥20 follicles per ovary)
Subtypes:
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Classic PCOS: ↑ LH:FSH, ↑ testosterone, ↓ SHBG, ↑ AMH
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Adrenal PCOS: ↑ DHEA-S (especially >500 µg/dL)
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Lean PCOS: Normal insulin but ↑ AMH or hyperandrogens
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Metabolic PCOS: ↑ Insulin, ↓ SHBG, dyslipidemia
Differential Diagnoses
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Thyroid Disorders: Abnormal TSH, normal androgens
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Hyperprolactinemia: ↑ Prolactin with galactorrhea
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Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (NCAH): ↑ 17-OH progesterone
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Cushing’s Syndrome: ↑ Cortisol, abnormal dex suppression test
Patient Preparation/Instructions
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Fasting: Required for insulin, glucose, and lipid tests (8–12 hours).
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Timing: Ideally done on days 3–5 of the menstrual cycle if cycling.
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Medication: Avoid biotin supplements for 48 hours prior to testing.
Typical Reference Values
Typical reference ranges for the hormones measured in the PCOS Profile may vary slightly by laboratory but generally include
- Free Testosterone: 0.7 – 3.6 pg/mL
- FSH: 4 – 8 mIU/mL
- LH: 5 – 20 mIU/mL
- Prolactin: < 25 ng/mL
- 17 OHP: < 200 ng/dL
- DHEAS: 35 – 430 µg/dL
- DHT: Levels may vary; consult specific lab ranges.
- FBS: < 100 mg/dL (fasting)
- PPBS: < 140 mg/dL (2 hours post-meal)
- HOMA: < 1.0 indicates normal insulin sensitivity.
Turnaround Time
The results of the PCOS Profile test are usually available within 5 business days after the sample is collected.
How To Order PCOS Profile Test
Please click the ‘Order Test’ button and put the PCOS Profile Test in your cart.
You are welcome to visit our laboratory in Kilimani, Nairobi. This will initiate the process for obtaining your test
