Question 1

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder causing irregular periods, excess androgen production, and ovarian cysts in women of reproductive age. It is caused by elevated levels of luteinizing hormone, insulin resistance, and increased androgens like testosterone and their precursors including pregnenolone. The Pregnenolone LC/MS test is the most important test for PCOS because it measures the precursor hormone that leads to excess androgen production.

Question 2

What causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is caused by a combination of hormonal imbalances including elevated luteinizing hormone, insulin resistance, and increased production of androgens like testosterone. Your ovaries produce excess male hormones when stimulated by high insulin levels and abnormal hormone signaling. This hormonal disruption prevents normal egg development and causes small fluid-filled cysts to form on the ovaries. The exact trigger remains unclear, but genetics and insulin resistance play major roles in developing PCOS.

Question 3

What is the best test for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The Pregnenolone LC/MS test is the most important test for PCOS because it measures the precursor hormone that leads to excess androgen production using highly accurate liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technology. Pregnenolone is the starting point for your body's production of testosterone and other androgens, so elevated levels indicate the underlying hormonal pathway dysfunction that characterizes PCOS. Additional hormone tests including testosterone, DHEA-S, and luteinizing hormone help provide a complete picture of your androgen levels, while fasting glucose and insulin tests assess metabolic complications associated with PCOS.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience irregular or missed periods for several months, notice excess facial or body hair growth, struggle with unexplained weight gain especially around your midsection, develop persistent acne beyond your teenage years, or have difficulty getting pregnant. Testing is also important if you have a family history of PCOS or type 2 diabetes, as these conditions often run in families. Early detection through blood work helps prevent long-term complications like diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

PCOS symptoms include irregular or absent menstrual periods, excess hair growth on your face, chest, or back, thinning hair on your scalp, persistent acne, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, and darkened skin patches around your neck or armpits. You might also experience fertility problems, mood changes like depression or anxiety, and skin tags in your armpits or neck area. Symptoms typically begin around puberty but can develop any time during your reproductive years, and their severity varies widely from woman to woman.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Women with a family history of PCOS or type 2 diabetes face higher risk, as genetics plays a significant role in developing this condition. You are also at increased risk if you are overweight or obese, have insulin resistance, or belong to certain ethnic groups including Hispanic, African American, Native American, or Asian descent. Women who develop excessive weight gain during their teenage years or have a mother or sister with PCOS are particularly susceptible. The condition typically affects women of reproductive age, though symptoms can persist through menopause.

Question 7

What happens if Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated PCOS significantly increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with more than half of women with PCOS developing diabetes by age 40. You face higher chances of heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and metabolic syndrome. The irregular periods associated with PCOS can lead to endometrial cancer due to prolonged exposure to estrogen without adequate progesterone balance. Untreated PCOS also causes ongoing fertility problems, increases your risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and contributes to sleep apnea, depression, and anxiety.

Question 8

Can Polycystic Ovary Syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests are essential for diagnosing PCOS, though no single test definitively confirms the condition. Your doctor will order hormone tests to measure androgens like testosterone and DHEA-S, check luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone ratios, and test pregnenolone levels to assess the androgen production pathway. Blood work also evaluates fasting glucose, insulin levels, and hemoglobin A1C to detect insulin resistance and diabetes risk. PCOS diagnosis requires meeting at least two of three criteria: irregular periods, elevated androgen levels on blood tests or physical signs like excess hair growth, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

Question 9

How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

PCOS treatment focuses on managing your specific symptoms and reducing long-term health risks through lifestyle changes and medications. Birth control pills help regulate periods and reduce androgen levels, while metformin improves insulin resistance and helps with weight loss. Anti-androgen medications like spironolactone reduce excess hair growth and acne. If you are trying to conceive, fertility medications like clomiphene or letrozole stimulate ovulation. Weight loss of just 5-10% of your body weight significantly improves symptoms and hormone levels, making diet and exercise fundamental parts of treatment for all women with PCOS.

Question 10

How can I prevent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot completely prevent PCOS due to its genetic component, maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet significantly reduces your risk and severity of symptoms. Eating a low-glycemic diet with whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables helps prevent insulin resistance that triggers PCOS development. Regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days improves insulin sensitivity and hormone balance. If you have a family history of PCOS, monitoring your weight and getting regular checkups during your reproductive years allows for early detection and intervention before complications develop.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches that help manage PCOS include eating a low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods and refined carbohydrates. Supplements like inositol improve insulin sensitivity and ovulation, while omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and androgen levels. Spearmint tea consumed twice daily may lower testosterone levels and reduce excess hair growth. Regular exercise combining cardio and strength training improves insulin resistance and promotes weight loss. Stress management through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises helps balance cortisol levels that can worsen PCOS symptoms, though these approaches work best alongside medical treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

What causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

What is the best test for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

When should I get tested for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

References

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