What blood tests confirm PCOS?

Diagnosis uses Rotterdam criteria (2 of 3): irregular ovulation, clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Key blood tests: AMH (elevated in 95% of PCOS), Total Testosterone, LH:FSH ratio, Fasting Insulin + HOMA-IR (insulin resistance), Prolactin (rules out PCOS mimic), TSH (rules out thyroid).

What is AMH and why is it the best PCOS test?

Anti-Müllerian Hormone reflects ovarian reserve. In PCOS, AMH is elevated (above 3.5 ng/mL) in 95% of cases — it confirms the polycystic ovary pattern more reliably than ultrasound alone. Doesn't change with cycle phase, so can be done any time.

Why test insulin in PCOS?

Insulin resistance is the metabolic root of most PCOS. Fasting Insulin and HOMA-IR quantify how insulin-resistant a patient is — guiding treatment with metformin, GLP-1, or lifestyle. Without measuring insulin resistance, you treat symptoms not causes.

What's the cost of a complete PCOS panel?

Individual tests: ₹150–1,200 each. PCOS Comprehensive Package (13 tests + consultation): typically ₹5,000–7,000 at Gini. Cashless under insurance for diagnostic workup.

How often should PCOS tests be repeated?

After initial diagnosis: HbA1c and HOMA-IR every 6 months while pursuing weight loss; AMH if fertility planning; thyroid annually. Once metabolic markers are improving, frequency drops to annual.

Should PCOS patients screen for thyroid disease?

Yes — thyroid coexists in 30–40% of PCOS patients. TSH + Anti-TPO are essential. Untreated thyroid worsens PCOS symptoms and infertility risk.

Blood Tests for PCOS — Complete Indian Panel | Dr. Bhansali

PCOS Is Metabolic

Why PCOS Needs a Comprehensive Hormone Panel

PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder — not just "ovary problem." It involves the brain, ovaries, adrenal glands, pancreas (insulin resistance), and thyroid. Diagnosis requires hormone, metabolic, and ovarian reserve assessment together.

Many PCOS patients are diagnosed only on ultrasound "polycystic ovaries" appearance — missing the metabolic root that drives long-term consequences (Type 2 diabetes, infertility, cardiovascular risk). Dr. Bhansali approaches PCOS as a metabolic disease that happens to involve the ovaries.

Full Panel

The Complete PCOS Panel

Test	Price	Why You Need It
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) →	₹1200	Confirms PCOS pattern — elevated in 95% of PCOS
Total Testosterone →	₹350	Elevated in PCOS — causes hirsutism, acne
DHEA-S →	₹500	Adrenal androgen — elevated indicates adrenal contribution
LH →	₹350	Elevated LH:FSH ratio is classic PCOS
FSH →	₹300	Used to calculate LH:FSH ratio
Fasting Insulin →	₹400	Detects insulin resistance — PCOS root cause
HOMA-IR →	₹450	Quantifies insulin resistance severity
HbA1c →	₹350	Detects pre-diabetes — common in PCOS
Lipid Profile →	₹450	Cardiovascular risk in PCOS
Prolactin →	₹350	Rules out hyperprolactinaemia (PCOS mimic)
TSH →	₹200	Thyroid disease coexists in 30–40% of PCOS
Anti-TPO →	₹600	Hashimoto's screening — common in PCOS
Vitamin D →	₹800	Deficiency worsens insulin resistance

Interpretation

How to Interpret PCOS Lab Results

The Rotterdam criteria require 2 of 3 for PCOS diagnosis:

Irregular or absent ovulation (clinical history + hormone pattern)
Clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism (high testosterone or hirsutism/acne)
Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

Beyond diagnosis, the metabolic component matters more long-term:

HOMA-IR > 2.5 = significant insulin resistance — treat with metformin and/or GLP-1.
HbA1c 5.7–6.4 = pre-diabetes — aggressive lifestyle and metabolic intervention.
HDL low + triglycerides high = atherogenic lipid pattern common in PCOS.
Vitamin D < 30 = correct it; corrects insulin resistance.
Anti-TPO positive = monitor thyroid; coexisting Hashimoto's worsens fertility.

FAQs