PCOS Screening Profile

Irregular Periods? Weight Gain? Get Answers, Not Just Guesses.

Do you feel like your body is fighting against you? Are you struggling with irregular cycles, stubborn acne, unexplained weight gain, or unwanted hair growth on your face/chin?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in women, but it is often misdiagnosed or caught too late. It is not just about “cysts on the ovaries”—it is a complex hormonal imbalance often driven by insulin issues.

The PCOS Screening Profile is your essential first step. It cuts through the noise to check the specific hormones that disrupt your cycle and the metabolic factors that make weight loss so difficult.

What This Profile Covers & Why It Matters

This profile investigates the three main “troublemakers” in PCOS: The Brain-Ovary Connection, The Androgens, and The Metabolic Root.

1. The Cycle Control Panel (LH, FSH, Prolactin)

• Tests: Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Prolactin.

• The Advantage:

  • The Ratio Check: In a normal cycle, FSH is higher than LH. In PCOS, this often flips (LH becomes 2-3x higher). This “LH Surge” prevents ovulation and causes cysts. We check this critical ratio.

  • Rule Out Mimics: High Prolactin can stop your periods just like PCOS does. We test this to ensure you aren’t misdiagnosed.

2. The “Male Hormone” Check (Androgen Status)

• Tests: Total Testosterone.

• The Advantage:

  • Physical Symptoms: High testosterone is the culprit behind cystic acne, hair thinning (scalp), and hirsutism (hair on chin/chest).

  • Confirmation: Elevated testosterone is one of the three key medical criteria (Rotterdam criteria) for diagnosing PCOS.

3. The “Hidden” Root Cause (Insulin & Sugar)

• Tests: Fasting Insulin, Fasting Blood Sugar (Glucose).

• The Advantage:

  • The “Why”: 70% of PCOS cases are driven by Insulin Resistance. High insulin forces the ovaries to overproduce testosterone.

  • Early Detection: Most basic checks only look at sugar. We check Fasting Insulin, which rises years before blood sugar does. If your Insulin is high, treating that is the key to fixing your periods.

4. The “Master Regulator” Check (Thyroid)

• Tests: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).

• The Advantage:

  • Hypothyroidism and PCOS have nearly identical symptoms (weight gain, hair loss, fatigue). We include TSH to ensure your thyroid isn’t the actual problem.

Who Should Book This Test?

• Women with irregular or missed periods (cycles longer than 35 days).

• Those noticing dark, velvety patches of skin on the neck or underarms (Acanthosis Nigricans – a sign of insulin resistance).

• Women struggling with cystic acne along the jawline.

• Anyone experiencing difficulty conceiving.

• Those with rapid, unexplained weight gain around the belly.

Patient Preparation (Critical for Accuracy)

• Timing is Everything: For the most accurate hormonal results, this sample must be given on Day 2 or Day 3 of your menstrual cycle. (Day 1 is the first day of full bleeding).

  • Note: If you have no periods (amenorrhea), you can test on any day, but please inform the phlebotomist.

• Fasting: 10-12 Hours fasting is required for the Insulin and Sugar tests.

• Medications: Inform us if you are taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or thyroid medication.

Why Choose the PCOS Screening Profile?

We don’t just tell you “hormones are off.” By including Fasting Insulin and the LH/FSH Ratio, we give you and your gynecologist the specific data needed to decide if you need medication, lifestyle changes, or simply a dietary adjustment. It is the perfect starting point for taking control of your cycle.