Ovary Ultrasound Normal Vs Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Images | String Of Pearls Sign Ovaries'
- Ultrasound findings must be clinically correlated
- Patient may have acne, infertility, infrequent periods (oligomenorrhea) or absence of periods (amenorrhea) & Hirsutism (excess facial hair growth)
- Increased number of follicles
String of pearls appearance: Peripheral distribution of follicles
- Increased Ovarian volume: Greater than 11ml (variable)
- Hyperechoic ovarian stroma.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Blood Tests
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Elevated LH levels and a higher LH/FSH ratio are typical in PCOS.
- Testosterone: Both total testosterone and free testosterone levels are often elevated in PCOS.
- DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate): Elevated levels of DHEA-S are associated with PCOS.
- Androstenedione: This androgen hormone might be elevated in PCOS.
- Fasting Insulin: Elevated levels suggest insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS.
- Total Cholesterol, LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), Triglycerides: PCOS patients may have dyslipidemia, including elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol.
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): To assess thyroid function as thyroid disorders can coexist with PCOS.
- Prolactin: To rule out other hormonal disorders that may mimic PCOS symptoms.
- Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): Reduced levels of SHBG are common in PCOS.
