Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PCOS profile – 3 Test Done?
- Helps in the diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and hirsutism
- An adjunct in the evaluation of menstrual irregularities
- For the evaluation of fertility issues in women
- In women with recurrent pregnancy loss [miscarriages]
What does PCOS profile – 3 Test measure?
PCOS profile 3 Test include FSH, Prolactin, free testosterone, 17-OHP, fasting and postprandial blood sugar, HOMA for patients with irregular periods but no signs of hirsutism. In case hirsutism is present then additional tests include Free testosterone, FSH, LH, Prolactin, 17 OHP, Androstenedione, DHEAS, DHT, Lipid profile-2, T3, T4, TSH, Cortisol, AMH, Testosterone Bioavailable test.
Who Should Get PCOS profile – 3 Test Done?
People with the following symptoms:
- Irregular periods, hirsutism (unwanted male-pattern hair growth) and obesity.
- Other than the classical symptoms the women may suffer from other allied conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism and certain tumour.
- Patients with symptoms of menstrual irregularities
- Those with abnormal sexual characteristics
- Females with fertility issues.
- Patients with anorchia, premature menopause, precocious puberty.
What to expect during PCOS profile – 3 test?
This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.
Are any preparations required for PCOS profile – 3 test?
12-14 hrs of fasting is required, only plain water can be consumed during fasting
What if results are High/ Low?
FBS, PPBS and HOMA index
Elevated levels of blood glucose levels indicate diabetes mellitus. HOMA index is raised in patients with insulin sensitivity. This is useful in monitoring the insulin therapy.
FSH – Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Normal to decreased FSH occurs in polycystic ovary disease in females, and very underweight patients.
LH-Luteinizing Hormone
Primary LH is decreased in primary ovarian hyper function in females and Polycystic Ovary disease (PCOS).
LH: FSH ration more than 3:1 is often found in PCOS, despite the fact that individual values are within the normal range
Testosterone (Free) Serum
In females high testosterone levels are seen in Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Adrenal tumor, Congenital Adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and idiopathic hirsutism.
High values require clinical correlation.
TSH(Ultrasensitive), T3 and T4 test
TSH, T3 and T4 levels are prone to physiologic, seasonal and diurnal variation. Levels are associated with regular menstrual cycle and ovulation and any increase or decrease should be further investigated.
Prolactin Test
High levels may also be seen in Prolactinoma, anorexia nervosa, hypothalamus disorders, hypothyroidism, Kidney disease, Liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and other pituitary diseases and tumors. High levels are associated with infertility
DHT (5-alpha Dihydrotestosterone)
High DHT levels may be seen in patients with PCOS and hirsutism.
Androstenedione
Levels are increased in polycystic ovarian disease, hirsutism, virilization, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal and ovarian tumors and Cushing’s disease, pregnancy and exercise.
DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate)
High levels of DHEAS may occur due to congenital adrenal hyperplasias, adrenal tumours, or PCOS.
Bioavailable Testosterone Test
If the results are elevated or low, it suggests hormonal imbalance. Results should be correlated with the clinical findings as well.
AMH test
High levels are seen in Polycystic ovarian syndrome, irregular menstrual cycles, Granulosa cell tumor and in menopause.
Low levels indicate reduced ovarian reserve
Cortisol Serum Test
Increased levels of cortisol are associated with Cushing syndrome, adrenal and Pituitary adenoma/carcinoma, glucocorticoid therapy, stress, depression, hypoglycemia and hyperthyroidism.
Decreased levels of cortisol are associated with Addison disease -primary adrenal insufficiency, secondary adrenal insufficiency – pituitary insufficiency, hypothalamic insufficiency and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Lipid Profile 2
High cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL levels may indicate risk of lipid disorders and cardiac ailments. Clinical correlation is recommended.
Low HDL levels indicate risk of lipid disorders and cardiac ailments. Clinical correlation is recommended.
In PCOS, depending upon patient to patient there can abnormal results for the other tests especially if other comorbidities exist
What is PCOS profile – 3 test also known as?
- PCOS test
- FBS test
- PPBS test
- HOMA index test
- FSH test
- Prolactin
- Testosterone test
- TSH test
- Progesterone test
- Cortisol test
- Lipid profile test
What is FBS, PPBS, HOMA?
The fasting as well as blood glucose levels are measured to know the diabetes status in the patients. Diabetes is common in patients suffering from PCOS.
HOMA index helps to know the insulin status as well as insulin sensitivity in patients suffering from PCOS.
What is FSH – Follicle Stimulating Hormone?
FSH, a hormone responsible for the reproductive functions, menstrual functions as well as development of secondary sexual characteristics in women.
What is LH-Luteinizing Hormone?
LH is a hormone co-secreted with FSH by Anterior pituitary gland which together control growth and reproductive activities of the gonadal tissues.
What is Testosterone (Free)?
Testosterone aids in the development of secondary sexual characteristics like enlargement of the genitals, body hair growth, development of muscle and deepening of the voice. Free testosterone test helps to know the functional component of organ development and sexual characteristics.
What is Prolactin Test?
Prolactin is a hormone secreted by pituitary gland. High levels of prolactin in non-lactating mothers can lead to amenorrhoea and infertility by inhibiting production of FSH.
What is 17-Hydroxy-Progesterone by Serum?
17-Hydroxy Progesterone(17-OHP) has a role in the development of secondary sexual functions and organ development. 17-OHP test aids in the diagnosis of infertility and congenital adrenal insufficiencies.
What is DHEAS- Dehydroepiandrostenedione Sulphate Serum and DHT- Dihydrotestosterone Serum?
The DHEAS and DHT tests are useful to know the status of sex hormones in the body.
What is Androstenedione?
It is a major adrenal androgen produced by the testes and ovaries.
What is Bioavailable Testosterone?
Testosterone bioavailable test is useful to assess the overall effect of testosterone hormones especially in patients with known abnormalities or on hormone therapy.
What is AMH [Anti-Mullerian Hormone] Inhibiting Substance?
AMH is important indicator of infertility status in women. AMH test is useful for the diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), disorders of sexual development in children and in monitoring of ovarian tumors.
What is Cortisol Serum Test?
Cortisol produced by adrenal cortex plays a central role in glucose metabolism and in the body’s response to stress.
What is Thyroid Stimulating hormone [TSH], T3 and T4?
TSH is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland and is responsible for the production of T3 and T4 hormones. Thyroid hormones have an impact on the physiological bodily functions and are indirectly also related with the sexual functions in the body. Normal levels of this hormone aid in ovulation and hence aid fertilization.
What is Lipid Profile 2?
The Lipid profile is done to know the levels of good and bad cholesterol in the body. PCOS is often accompanied by abnormal lipid levels and obesity.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women that may lead to issues with fertility, menstruation, and pregnancy. PCOS often contributes to even lifestyle disorders like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, thyroid disorders and even certain types of cancers. The PCOS package is designed to detect hormonal anomalies that are found in patients of PCOS. PCOS-3 is recommended for patients with moderate to severe hirsutism, and classic PCOS symptoms.
WRITTEN BY: Dr.Shibani R Medical Writer, Medical Affairs
PCOS profile – 3 Test Price
₹ 10,500
Disclaimer: This site does not replace professional medical advice for PCOS profile – 3 Test. Always consult your healthcare provider for concerns about your health.