Table of Contents
PCOS
About twenty per cent of Indian women of reproductive age suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as PCOS. It is a more severe metabolic condition than PCOD. PCOS can cause anovulation, in which the ovaries cease egg production, which impacts female fertility. Due to PCOS, a woman cannot ovulate frequently, making pregnancy difficult, and if she does become pregnant, there is a risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or pregnancy difficulties. Later-stage PCOS can result in problems including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer. In most cases, genetics is one of the primary causes of PCOS.
Young women with PCOS may experience irregular periods, hirsutism (the production of unwanted hair in a male pattern), and obesity due to the condition. A pregnant woman may also experience symptoms, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and even some brain tumours, in addition to the conventional symptoms. Its symptoms are very similar to those of PCOD.
A gynaecologist may advise the following to diagnose PCOD or PCOS:
Pelvic inspection:Â Physically examining the reproductive organs for anomalies, growths, or lumps.
Blood tests:Â Blood tests, such as fasting lipid profile (to determine the levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and glucose tolerance tests, will help to determine hormone levels.
Imaging test: Ultrasound imaging examination of the ovaries, uterine lining, and ovarian cysts.
Women with the condition may have to undergo a gamut of tests to assess PCOS at initial stages. Many clinics offer the basic test to determine the hormones that cause the condition. The following is a list of the basic PCOS blood tests in the package.
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Your pituitary gland secretes TSH to balance the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that assist in the regulation of metabolism and the ageing process. TSH levels that are low have negative effects and can cause a disruption in the hormones, which can contribute to PCOS. As a result, the test will measure your TSH to determine the likelihood for the condition. (Approx Rs 230)
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test: FSH is a hormone responsible for regulating sexual development and function. It is released by the pituitary gland. For women, it also regulates the periods as well as the egg development. Low FSH levels may trigger the immature eggs to be released that can lead to PCOS. (Approx Rs 400)
- Luteinizing Hormone Test: In women, the ovulation process is controlled by a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). Coupled with FSH, LH is responsible for ensuring that females have normal sexual development. The test measures the level of hormones in the blood to determine the likelihood of developing PCOS. (Approx Rs 400)
Prolactin test: The hormone Prolactin causes the breasts to produce milk. However, PCOS can be caused by elevated Prolactin levels since it can skew the body’s hormonal balance. As a result, a test for prolactin is included so that the diagnosis may be verified. (Approx Rs 200-600)
- CBC: CBC stands for “complete blood count”, which is a basic test that can help a doctor evaluate the patient’s overall health. It examines the haemoglobin, platelets levels, and RBC. (Approx Rs 300)
Note: (1) PCOS blood test costs may vary across cities and regions.
(2) Package PCOS test price offers at clinic may provide deductions/discounts.
PCOS Test Cost
Cost of PCOS Profile test: Starts from Rs 200-3,000 in a Tier I city (Individual test to package costs).
Note: Consult your doctor for better estimates. Disclose your medical history to your specialist, and you may be advised to undergo fewer tests to confirm your condition, which can reduce the PCOS test cost.
Post- Diagnosis
Your physician will assist you in managing your PCOS symptoms and sustaining your health. If you have PCOS, you may be given a glucose and cholesterol blood test.
Your doctor may prescribe the following tests to evaluate your overall health and the likelihood of developing additional conditions:
Lipid profiles: To evaluate cholesterol and triglyceride levels. PCOS can increase your risk of developing heart disease. (Cost Rs 250)
Glucose test: The glucose test is used to diagnose diabetes. Most women with PCOS may also have this condition. (Rs 30-100)
FPG or GTT: A glucose tolerance test (GTT) or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test can screen for, diagnose, and monitor prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. (Rs 450-980)
PCOD
Polycystic ovary disorder (PCOD) is when the ovaries release immature eggs or partially matured eggs during a menstrual cycle. When the ovaries expand, the eggs become sacs filled with fluids called cysts. As the ovaries swell, their regular function is disrupted, which trigger the ovaries to release a significant amount of testosterone and other male hormones.
Although there are no known cause, the following are some of the risk factors linked to PCOD:
- Stress and/or hormonal imbalance
Poor dietary habits and/or obesity - Early detection of PCOD is possible for doctors because of extensive testing. The presence of the following symptoms may be suggestive of the condition:
- Weight gain: weight that is not typical, especially around the midsection.
- Irregular periods
- Male patterned baldness
- Rapid hair growth
For women with PCOD, a gamut of tests to assess it at initial stages. Many clinics offer the basic test to determine the hormones that cause the condition. The blood tests to determine PCOD are the same as in PCOS. PCOD Test comprises over 30 tests, including insulin, Prolactin (PRL), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Thyroid (TSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH), Testosterone and CBS among others.
PCOD test price
Cost of PCOD test cost: Starts from Rs 200-3,000 in Mumbai (Individual to PCOD profile test prices). The tests may vary outside metro cities and across regions.
Note: Consult your doctor for better estimates. Disclose your medical history to your specialist, and you may be advised to undergo fewer tests to confirm your condition.
The PCOD profile test can help doctors identify the suitable line of treatment. For instance, individuals will be counseled to frequently monitor their nutrition and engage in physical activity to better manage the condition.