Description

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It's characterized by an imbalance of reproductive hormones that can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

  • Irregular or missed menstrual periods
  • Excess body hair, including on the scalp
  • Acne
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Obesity 

Some other health problems associated with PCOS include:

  • Gestational diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High LDL ("bad") cholesterol and low HDL ("good") cholesterol
  • Sleep apnea
  • Stroke
  • Depression and anxiety 

This panel includes the following test:

C-peptide

Lipid Profile

LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

Progesterone

Prolactin Test

Total Serum Testosterone

Fasting not required.

Additional information about each test is listed below:

C-peptide is important in diagnosing and monitoring Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) because it serves as a direct marker for insulin secretion, which is often elevated in PCOS patients due to insulin resistance, a key feature of the condition; therefore, measuring C-peptide levels helps assess the severity of insulin dysfunction and can aid in treatment management. 

A lipid profile test is crucial for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) because PCOS is often associated with abnormal lipid levels, which can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease; therefore, monitoring these levels helps identify potential issues early and allows for preventative measures to be taken to manage heart health risks.

In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the importance of measuring LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels lies in the fact that a characteristic imbalance between these hormones, typically with elevated LH and relatively normal or low FSH, is often observed in PCOS patients, contributing to the key features of the syndrome like irregular ovulation and excess androgen production, ultimately impacting fertility.

Progesterone is crucial for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) because it is a key hormone involved in ovulation, and since PCOS often disrupts ovulation, low progesterone levels are common, which can significantly impact fertility, menstrual regularity, and uterine health, making it a significant factor in managing the condition.

A prolactin test is important for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) because while prolactin levels are usually normal in PCOS patients, a significantly elevated level could indicate an underlying pituitary gland issue, which can mimic PCOS symptoms like irregular periods and infertility, allowing for proper diagnosis and treatment of the contributing factor; additionally, some research suggests a potential link between slightly elevated prolactin levels and metabolic complications associated with PCOS, making it a valuable marker to monitor in certain cases.

A total serum testosterone test is important for diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) because elevated testosterone levels are a key characteristic of the condition, allowing doctors to identify potential PCOS cases and monitor treatment effectiveness by tracking testosterone levels over time; this is especially relevant as high testosterone in women with PCOS can manifest in symptoms like excessive hair growth (hirsutism), irregular periods, and acne.