PCOD Profile Test

Learn everything about the test to detect PCOD before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.

What Does a PCOD Panel Test Measure?

The PCOD blood test is a crucial diagnostic examination that measures hormonal imbalances, identifies potential signs of Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), and guides the development of individualised treatment strategies for affected patients.

The following PCOD profile test list is a critical guide outlining crucial assessments like LH, FSH, testosterone, TSH, FPG, and HCG. This approach facilitates the accurate diagnosis of PCOD and informs the development of individualised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique health needs. But these tests alone can’t fully confirm PCOD—an ultrasound is required to show multiple ovarian cysts.

• LH Test²: A Luteinising hormone is a blood-borne chemical messenger that regulates the function of certain cells or organs. LH is often tested in a blood sample. However, it might be measured in pee (urine) in some circumstances. Higher than normal LH levels could be a sign of PCOD.
• FSH test³: This test measures follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the blood. It is crucial for sexual development in children and fertility in adults. In women, it regulates the menstrual cycle and egg production, while in men, it influences sperm production. During puberty, FSH, along with other hormones, triggers physical changes like estrogen production in girls and testosterone production in boys, impacting secondary sexual characteristics. Low FSH levels could indicate potential PCOD.
• Testosterone test⁴: A testosterone test measures the amount of testosterone in a blood sample. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles, ovaries, and adrenal glands, affecting various bodily functions and characteristics. The test helps diagnose conditions related to abnormal testosterone levels. High testosterone levels could also be an indicator of PCOD.
• TSH test⁵: This is called the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone test. It is vital for assessing thyroid-related conditions, high or low TSH levels could indicate a thyroid problem. Low levels of TSH could cause menstrual changes resembling those associated with PCOD.
• SHBG Test: This test measures the levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the blood. SHBG is a protein produced in the liver that binds to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, regulating their availability in the body. When SHBG binds to sex hormones, they become inactive and unavailable for use by tissues. Low SHBG levels in females can indicate PCOD.⁶
• FPG: The fasting plasma glucose test measures the body’s glucose levels after a fasting period of 8-12 hours. High FPG levels are a sign of diabetes susceptibility, which can lead to PCOD ⁷.
• AMH Test: An anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test measures the amount of AMH in a blood sample. In females, the ovaries produce AMH, which helps in egg formation and hormone production. High AMH levels indicate a larger supply of eggs, while low levels suggest fewer eggs remaining in the ovaries, which can affect fertility.

High levels of AMH are a sign of PCOD, as AMH is released from immature antral follicles in the ovaries, which are the small fluid-filled cyst-like structures. AMH inhibits a follicle’s ability to mature into an egg, preventing ovulation, causing longer menstrual cycles, and leading to infertility. ⁸

• Oestrogen Level Test: This test measures oestrogen levels in the blood, a key hormone in the female reproductive system. Oestrogen levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, with high levels prompting ovulation and low levels triggering menstruation. Both high and low oestrogen levels can contribute to longer menstrual cycles, a common symptom of PCOD. ⁹
• Prolactin Test: This test measures prolactin levels in the blood, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that promotes lactation. Elevated prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) can cause irregular menstruation (oligomenorrhea) or the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea), which is seen in PCOD ¹⁰.

The signs and symptoms of insulin resistance and thyroid problems are similar to those of PCOD, and there is a notion that PCOD, insulin resistance, and thyroid issues are interconnected.

As a result, the above PCOD profile test list is carried out to identify these illnesses prior to PCOD diagnosis confirmation.

What are the Signs and Symptoms that Lead to Immediate PCOD Testing:

Every patient has some noticeable PCOD symptoms, which are somewhat frequent. The following is a list of some typical symptoms of the illness ¹¹:

• Acne: Individuals with PCOD may experience noticeable acne on various parts of their body, including the face, neck, and back.
• Weight Gain: PCOD often leads to significant weight gain, despite efforts to lose it through activities such as gym workouts, aerobics, and physical exercise.
• Hair Thinning: PCOD can cause thinning of scalp hair, even with the use of hair growth oils.
• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Irregular menstruation, characterised by fewer than nine periods in a year, is a common and prominent symptom of PCOD.
• Fertility Problems: In some cases of PCOD, fertility problems may occur.
• Depression: Due to all the changes the disease causes to her body, a woman also experiences depression.

These are a few PCOD symptoms that you should be aware of. If you notice anything strange about your health, speak with a doctor as soon as possible and take a PCOD panel test.

Why Do Doctors Recommend PCOD Panel Test?

Here are the reasons why doctors recommend PCOD tests:

Diagnosis and Confirmation:

• Blood tests for PCOD are crucial for diagnosing the condition. These tests measure hormones related to the pituitary, adrenal glands, cholesterol, blood sugar, and thyroid. They help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
• The lipid panel measures cholesterol and triglycerides, as PCOD increases the risk of heart disease ¹².
• Glucose tests assess the possibility of diabetes, which is associated with PCOD.

Monitoring and Management:

• Regular blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and cholesterol/triglyceride level checks are essential for monitoring PCOD-related complications.
• Doctors also screen patients for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder related to their physical health issues..

Understanding Hormonal Imbalance:

• PCOD results from insulin resistance, leading to excess sugar conversion into fat. This contributes to obesity, irregular periods, and increased cardiovascular risk.
• Elevated hormone levels cause symptoms like acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, and sometimes infertility.

Remember, while PCOD cannot be cured, its symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Regular tests play a crucial role in understanding and addressing this condition.

How to Prepare for the PCOD Profile Test?

It is advised to be under fasting (not eat anything) for at least 8-12 hours before the healthcare provider can collect your blood for the PCOD Profile Test. It is important to note that fasting is required for this test to get accurate results. This means that you will need to refrain from consuming anything (except water) for at least 8 hours before your scheduled appointment.

However, if you are currently taking any medications, it is important to let the provider know this before the test. They might request you to stop taking certain medications before the test for accurate results.

It is also best to avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs at least 48 hours before the test, as it may hamper the test result’s accuracy.

What Happens During PCOD Check-Up?

A blood test for PCOD only takes a few minutes.

• As per the scheduled time of the blood test, a Lab Technician who usually takes blood samples will arrive.
• A thin needle will be used to draw blood from your arm’s vein.
• The needle might cause a mild pinch and some discomfort.
• The lab technician then fills a collection tube with blood and then removes the needle from the skin.
• They place a small bandage on the arm.
• These samples are then sent over to the laboratory for analysis of the levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estrogen.

Please note: You might feel slight pain at the spot where the needle was inserted, but most of the symptoms go away quickly.

In addition, an ultrasound examination of the ovaries can also be suggested by the healthcare provider to identify cysts on the ovaries and assess the size and number of the cysts.