The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Profile is a wide-ranging blood panel used to investigate PCOS, covering reproductive hormones, blood sugar and insulin markers, and cholesterol. It suits anyone with symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth or difficulty conceiving, where PCOS is a possible cause. The panel costs £752.50, plus a £50 blood-draw fee, with results back within 5 days. You can walk in or book online at 117a Harley Street, seven days a week, with no GP referral needed.
This profile is usually requested for symptoms that could point to PCOS, such as irregular or absent periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, weight gain, or difficulty conceiving.
Because several other conditions can cause similar symptoms, the panel includes markers such as prolactin, cortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone alongside the reproductive hormones, so a doctor can rule these in or out at the same time rather than through separate tests.
People already diagnosed with PCOS sometimes repeat parts of this panel to check how their blood sugar, insulin or cholesterol are tracking over time, since PCOS is linked to a higher long-term risk of insulin resistance and cardiovascular problems.
A fasting sample taken around 9am is recommended for this profile, since several of the hormones and the glucose and insulin markers are best measured this way. Please do not eat for several hours beforehand, water is fine, and follow any further instruction from your doctor or the clinic when you book.
A raised testosterone, DHEA sulphate or androstenedione, alongside a lower SHBG, is a pattern often seen in PCOS, particularly together with the LH-to-FSH pattern sometimes described in this condition. A raised glucose, HbA1C or insulin points towards insulin resistance, which is common alongside PCOS and relevant to long-term health.
Because this panel also screens for other causes of similar symptoms, an abnormal prolactin, cortisol or 17-hydroxyprogesterone result may point away from PCOS and towards a different explanation that needs its own follow-up. Your laboratory report will show the reference range for each marker.
PCOS is not usually diagnosed from blood results alone. A doctor combines this panel with your symptoms, menstrual history and sometimes an ultrasound scan, so book a specialist assessment to discuss your results and what they mean for you.
For a specialist assessment of PCOS and its management, see the PCOS assessment at Gynae Clinic.
Written by Mr Stephen Lingam. Reviewed by Dr Penelope Sheehan.
Yes, a fasting sample taken around 9am is recommended, since several of the markers, including glucose and insulin, are best measured this way.
No. PCOS is usually diagnosed using a combination of symptoms, blood results and sometimes an ultrasound scan, so your results need to be reviewed by a doctor alongside the rest of your history.
Several other conditions can cause symptoms similar to PCOS, so testing hormones such as prolactin, cortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone alongside the reproductive hormones helps a specialist rule these in or out at the same time.
It can. Hormone levels vary across the cycle, so it's worth mentioning your cycle timing when you book, and following any guidance given, particularly if you are still having periods.
Book a PCOS assessment at Gynae Clinic so a specialist can talk through your results alongside your symptoms and discuss management options.