PCOS test: hormones, androgens and insulin in view

PCOS is a common hormonal pattern in women, and it shows up a little differently for everyone. Blood values can help make part of that story visible.

This test looks at markers that are sometimes associated with PCOS: male hormones (androgens) such as testosterone, the hormone AMH, and the way your body handles sugar and insulin. Together they may offer insight, without any single value determining anything on its own.

This test can be useful if you notice that your cycle is irregular, if you deal with acne or extra hair growth, or if you have questions about your fertility. It can also be valuable if you simply want to know how your hormones are doing.

Wondering which blood values relate to PCOS? This panel brings together a number of hormonal and metabolic markers that are often involved, so you can have them measured in one go.

This PCOS screening measures six markers in your blood:

• Total Testosterone: the total amount of testosterone in your blood, an androgen that can sometimes be raised with PCOS.
• Free Testosterone: the portion of your testosterone that is not bound to protein and can be biologically active.
• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): made by the growing follicles in your ovaries and sometimes higher than average with PCOS.
• Glucose (Fasting): your blood sugar in a fasting state, which together with insulin can say something about your metabolism.
• Insulin (Fasting): the hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar, measured in a fasting state.
• HOMA-IR: a value calculated from your glucose and insulin that can give an impression of your insulin sensitivity.

Your values can give an impression of how your hormones and metabolism are doing. Raised androgens such as testosterone are sometimes seen with PCOS, and AMH can be higher than average.

The fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR values together may offer a view of your insulin sensitivity, which is often part of the PCOS picture. On their own, these values do not tell the whole story, so they are best read together and in context.

This test needs a short blood draw at a certified lab. In the Netherlands you can choose from 700+ sample points.

You can do this PCOS test without a referral: after ordering, you pick a location near you and schedule a time that suits you. You do not need a referral from your GP.

This test can be valuable at different moments, for example:

• with an irregular or absent cycle
• if you recognise symptoms that are sometimes linked to PCOS, such as acne or extra hair growth
• if you have questions about your fertility or wish to conceive
• if you want more insight into how your body handles insulin and sugar

Because glucose and insulin respond to what you eat, this test is best taken while fasting.

Your result shows each marker with your value, a reference range and a short explanation. What counts as usual can vary from one laboratory to another.

Raised androgens or a higher HOMA-IR score can, for instance, fit the pattern that is sometimes seen with PCOS, but a single value says little on its own. The BIG-registered doctor helps you place your values in the right context.

Your result is usually available online within a few working days. Each value is shown clearly with a reference range and an explanation, so you understand what you see.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.