Ordering the PCOS Screening – Monitoring Panel
The PCOS Screening – Monitoring Panel is designed to check for hormone imbalances, blood sugar changes, and thyroid antibodies that are often linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome. This panel includes fasting glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1C, free testosterone, vitamin D, and thyroid antibodies (TPO and TGB), providing a broad look at factors that can affect symptoms like irregular periods, hair changes, and weight gain. Interestingly, research shows that people with PCOS are three times more likely to have Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune thyroid condition, which is why thyroid antibody testing is included.
Ordering this panel gives you a clear picture of your hormone and blood sugar levels, which can help guide next steps with your healthcare provider. When you order the PCOS Screening – Monitoring Panel, you benefit from:
- Checking for insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS and can affect blood sugar control.
- Measuring free testosterone to help explain symptoms like hair growth or thinning hair.
- Screening for vitamin D deficiency, which is often seen in people with PCOS.
- Identifying thyroid antibodies that may point to Hashimoto’s disease, which can cause low thyroid function.
- Tracking hemoglobin A1C to see long-term blood sugar trends, not just a single day’s result.
Who Might Benefit from a PCOS Hormone and Metabolic Panel
Someone who has been dealing with irregular periods, unexpected weight changes, or new hair growth on the face or body may find this panel helpful. For example, a person who has been trying to get pregnant for several months without success and has noticed more acne and fatigue could use this test to check for hormone and blood sugar changes that might be affecting fertility.
Ordering this panel may also be helpful in these situations:
- Someone with a family history of PCOS or thyroid problems who wants to check their own risk factors.
- A person who has been told they have high cholesterol or high blood pressure and wants to see if PCOS could be a cause.
- Someone who has noticed dark patches of skin on their neck or underarms, which can be linked to insulin resistance.
- A person who has been diagnosed with depression or seasonal affective disorder and wants to see if low vitamin D or hormone changes are involved.
- Someone who has been losing hair from their scalp but growing more hair on their chin or upper lip, which can be a sign of hormone imbalance.
This panel is useful for checking hormone and blood sugar levels that can affect periods, fertility, and symptoms like hair changes or skin patches. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of insulin resistance or thyroid problems, which may make symptoms harder to manage later.
Preparing for Your PCOS Blood Panel
Fasting is required for 10-12 hours before your blood draw, and only water is allowed during this time. Make sure to carefully follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare professional gives you, as these steps help ensure your results are as helpful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your PCOS Screening – Monitoring Panel
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Test Measures | Low and High Levels of This Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting Glucose | 70-99 | Fasting glucose checks the amount of sugar in your blood after not eating for at least 8 hours. It helps spot early signs of blood sugar problems. |
High levels mean your body may not be using insulin well, which can be a sign of prediabetes or diabetes.
Low levels mean your blood sugar is below normal, which can cause shakiness, sweating, or confusion. |
| Fasting Insulin | 2.6-24.9 | Fasting insulin measures the amount of insulin in your blood after fasting. It helps show if your body is making too much insulin to keep blood sugar normal. |
High levels mean your body may be resistant to insulin, which is common in PCOS and can lead to high blood sugar.
Low levels mean your pancreas may not be making enough insulin, which can cause blood sugar to drop too low. |
| Hemoglobin A1C | 4.0-5.6 | Hemoglobin A1C shows your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. It helps track long-term blood sugar control, not just a single day’s result. |
High levels mean your blood sugar has been high for several weeks or months, which can increase the risk of diabetes.
Low levels mean your blood sugar has been lower than normal over time, which can sometimes cause tiredness or dizziness. |
| Free Testosterone (unbound) | 0.0-4.2 | Free testosterone is the part of testosterone not attached to proteins in your blood. It helps explain symptoms like extra hair growth or hair loss. |
High levels mean you may have more body or facial hair, acne, or irregular periods, which are common in PCOS.
Low levels mean you may have less energy, low mood, or trouble building muscle. |
| Vitamin D (25 Hydroxy) | 30-100 | Vitamin D (25 Hydroxy) checks the main form of vitamin D in your blood. It is important for bone strength and may affect mood and hormone balance. |
High levels mean you may be taking too much vitamin D, which can cause problems with calcium in your body.
Low levels mean you may have weak bones, muscle aches, or feel more tired, and it is common in PCOS. |
| TPO + TGB Antibodies | <9 | TPO and TGB antibodies check for immune system activity against the thyroid. High levels can point to Hashimoto’s disease, which often occurs with PCOS. |
High levels mean your immune system may be attacking your thyroid, which can cause low thyroid hormone and symptoms like tiredness or weight gain.
Low levels mean your immune system is not attacking your thyroid, which is the expected result. |
Reference ranges can change over time. For the most current values, visit the Quest Diagnostics lab test directory.
PCOS Screening – Monitoring Panel FAQ
Is there PCOS Screening – Monitoring Panel testing near me?
You can find a nearby location for PCOS Screening – Monitoring Panel using the patient service center locator, which also lists mobile phlebotomy options for added convenience. This is especially helpful if you need regular blood draws to track hormone and blood sugar changes, making it easier to get tested without long travel or wait times.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for the PCOS Screening – Monitoring Panel covers everything, including the blood draw at a patient service center. Ordering this panel is worth it if you want to check for hormone or blood sugar changes that could be causing symptoms like irregular periods or hair changes.
How often should I retest?
Most people retest every 3 to 6 months, especially if they are starting a new treatment or making changes to their diet or exercise. Regular retesting helps track how your hormone and blood sugar levels respond, so you and your provider can make adjustments as needed.
How accurate is the test?
The PCOS Screening – Monitoring Panel uses immunoassay and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods, which are known for their precision. The specificity is 98% and the sensitivity is 97%. All tests at TrueHealthLabs.com are performed by CLIA-certified labs, meeting strict quality and precision standards.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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