PCOD Profile

Polycystic ovary syndrome profile blood test is a set of tests to assess the levels and functions of hormones in your body.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which the normal functions of ovaries are affected. Ovaries are the reproductive organs and release progesterone and estrogen. These hormones help in regulating the menstrual cycle. Ovaries also release androgen, a male hormone in very fewer quantities. In this condition excess of androgens (male hormones mostly testosterone) are produced. This condition leads to hair growth on face and body. This imbalance in the hormone productions causes irregular menstrual periods and, infertility. This also causes long-term effects like diabetes and heart disease. This condition is commonly seen in women of childbearing age. The ovaries releases eggs which are fertilized by a man’s sperm. Every month the eggs are released and this process is called ovulation. Ovulation is controlled by follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

The polycystic ovary syndrome profile test includes follicle stimulating hormone test, luteinizing hormone test, prolactin test, testosterone- free test, testosterone-total test, insulin fasting test, insulin postprandial test, fasting glucose test, glucose postprandial test.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test:

This test measures the levels of follicle stimulating hormone in the blood of both men and women to ensure a healthy reproductive system. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It plays an important role in sexual development.

The Luteinising Hormone (LH) test:

This test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone in the blood of both men and women to ensure a healthy reproductive system. LH is a gonadotropin hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland. It affects the sex organs in both men and women during sexual development. In women, LH works with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) to stimulate the ovarian follicle to produce the female sex hormone, estrogen.

Serum Prolactin Test:

This test measures the amount of prolactin in the blood of both men and women to ensure a healthy reproductive system. Prolactin is also known as PRL or lactogenic hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. Prolactin helps in the production of breast milk in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The exact role of prolactin in men is not known. However, small amounts of prolactin are produced in both men and women that help to measure the sexual satisfaction in both men and women.

Free Testosterone:

This test is used to find out the Free Testosterone levels in the blood. Luteinizing Hormone LH is a pituitary hormone that stimulates and controls the production of testosterone hormone. This hormone is responsible for male physical characteristics and known as a male sex hormone.

Total Testosterone:

This test is used to find out the Total Testosterone levels in the blood, both bound (albumin-bound and SHBG-bound) and unbound testosterone.

Insulin Fasting:

This test is used to find out the Insulin levels in the blood after 8 hours of fasting or whole night fasting. Insulin helps in promoting the absorption of glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells of liver, fat and skeletal muscle. In these cells, glucose is used for the production of energy and utilized by the body.

Insulin Postprandial:

This test is used to find out the Insulin levels in the blood after 2 hours of having food.

Fasting glucose test:

This test is used to measure the levels of glucose during fasting hours. This test helps in knowing how your body is managing blood glucose levels.

Postprandial glucose test:

This test measures the levels of glucose 2 hours after having the meals.

Why is this test performed?

This test may be recommended to you if experience symptoms like irregular menstrual periods, acne, excess hair especially on the face and neck, weight gain. If you are already diagnosed with PCOS, to check the conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, high cholesterol, etc. Because these conditions are associated with PCOS. If you are failing to get pregnant, then this test may be recommended.

If your test results show higher or lower values than the reference range, then it may indicate that you have the hormonal imbalance and it may lead to different conditions. The test results may vary for each test and so is the diagnosis. Ito f you get abnormal test results consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your test results.

If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your test results.