Testing For PCOS
Functional pathology testing to establish and manage pcos
Early detection of PCOS is often not successful due to the extent of the testing required to achieve a thorough diagnosis. To begin with, PCOS detection is best commenced with the completion of our confidential questionnaire. This is based on symptomatic diagnostic techniques that will assist in early detection of PCOS and establishing the possible underlying causes of your PCOS.
There is not a specific test that can be used to diagnose PCOS and there is not widespread agreement on what the diagnostic criteria should be.
At MassAttack we are able to refer you directly to Health Scope Laboratories for further testing to establish if you have PCOS and alto to rule out any other causes of your symptoms such as infertility, excessive body hair, male pattern balding or period problems.
We may order a variety of hormone tests to help determine whether hormone overproduction may be due to PCOS, an adrenal or ovarian tumour, or an overgrowth in adrenal tissue (adrenal hyperplasia). Ultrasounds are often used to look for cysts in the ovaries and to see if the internal structures appear normal and we can provide a referral to you GP requesting this to be completed.
At MassAttack, we looking for a combination of laboratory results and clinical findings that suggest PCOS. If you are diagnosed with PCOS, we may order tests such as lipid profiles and glucose levels to monitor your risk of developing future complications associated with PCOS such as hypertension, diabetes and infertility.
Specific laboratory testing is also recommended for PCOS such as:
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Symptoms such as:
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...can all be an indication that your body is out of balance. Your current signs and symptoms will help determine exactly which tests are appropriate for you. Functional pathology testing is a great way to monitor your health so that any imbalances may be addressed. Test results used in conjunction with any symptoms you have, are invaluable when formulating your natural health and weight loss program.
Imbalances that are not properly identified and treated may lead to chronic illnesses and unexplained infertility. This was the case with Michelle's journey.Click here
What does an abnormal test value mean?
Nearly all patients with PCOS will have at least some subtle laboratory abnormalities, though the levels may not be outside normal limits. Lab values that are at the upper or lower end of the normal range may show a tendency toward a problem rather than a discrete abnormality. It may be a pattern within the group of tests that points to PCOS, rather than one or more values outside the normal limits.
Usually a hormone level that is marginally elevated is associated with a dysfunction, while a severe elevation or suppression may be more likely to be pathologic (a physical cause, such as an adrenal tumor).
It is important to note that many lab reference ranges were probably set irrespective of PCOS, and often are set based on screening for a certain abnormality. For example, the range of normal on a fasting insulin test may be set to screen for an insulinoma (an insulin-producing tumor in the pancreas), rather than to check for insulin resistance.
Does it matter when hormone tests are performed?
Most endocrine tests should be performed within a few days after a spontaneous or induced menstrual period. These tests may be misleading if oral contraceptives are being used. Glucose, insulin and lipid evaluation should be done in the morning after fasting for at least 8 hours, but less than 16 hours. Accurate glucose and insulin testing requires the patient to be in good health. Progesterone levels to confirm ovulation should be done seven days after suspected ovulation.
How often should tests be repeated?
Most of the blood work, unless monitoring a fertility treatment cycle, does not have to be repeated unless there is abnormal result. Most infertility clinics will repeat basic labs annually.
Even if pregnancy is not desired, women with PCOS should be sure to have their blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides checked once per year. Those who are also hypothyroid should also monitor TSH to make sure medications are working properly.
How important is the LH:FSH ratio?
The emphasis doctors place on the ratio of luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) varies. Most pre-menopausal women have a ratio close to1:1. In PCOS, the LH level may rise above the FSH, sometimes significantly. Any case where the LH is higher may be suggestive of PCOS and further investigation may be warranted. Some doctors say that an LH:FSH greater than 2:1 or 3:1 indicates PCOS.
Natural solutions for PCOS
Naturopathic solutions for PCOS are successful and have helped many women heal their symptoms and achieve weight loss naturally.
With personalized tonics to heal you, professional support to guide you and knowledge to empower you, the energy and inspiration to turn your health, life and weight around is at your fingertips.
But you don't have to continue to suffer. There is something that you can do to support healthy eating patterns, feel better and shed that stubborn weight today!
It's now time to get your whole body health back on track with my simple and powerful 90 Day diet.
I understand and I know how you feel. Many women have come to love my program and with over 30,000 hours of clinical naturopathic experience, I know you will get results.
You know something isn't right. You know it shouldn't be feeling this way. You know you should have more energy and you should feel better.
And now you can.
When you discover how to support your body and support PCOS reduction with a healthy, 100% natural diet and targeted treatment strategy, you will see and feel the results!
Your Intensive 90 Day Diet ...
- Identifies & address the underlying causes of your PCOS
- Identifies parisites and bacteria that may be triggering it
- Establishes hormonal weakness and assists in restoring balance
- Identifies genetic weakness
- Provides a direct referral for further testing and interprets the results
- Applies a 100% natural targeted strategy to assist healthy digestive function
- Helps to restore health in just 90 days!
Your Body Needs Help!
My 90 Day Diet is designed to boost your health with the RIGHT foods and nutrients to help you FINALLY get better again and lose the weight.
If you have PCOS and if you sit back and do nothing about it, then you will gain weight and continue to feel unwell no matter how hard you exercise and how little you eat.
- One month from now you could be 5 kilos heavier and even more unhealthy. OR
- You could be 5 kilos closer to your goal weight and feel fantastic. It's up to you to decide which you'd rather be.
Want to know more?
Why is the MassAttack Natural Health and Weight Loss Program different?
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