PCOS signs & symptoms

This test will not be suitable for everyone, including if:

You are under 20 years of age.

You do not have ovaries.

You are on hormonal contraception, hormone replacement therapy, steroid or testosterone-containing medications including gels, creams, patches, and oral medication.

You are at an increased risk of fainting/ loss of consciousness due to blood sample collection, including if you have an arrhythmia, history of vasovagal syncope (fainting), or fear of blood.

You have a bleeding disorder or are taking medication that increases the risk of bleeding including (but not limited to) untreated hemophilia or use of blood-thinning medications.

You have impaired lymphatic circulation in both upper limbs.

You have a skin disorder or condition that may result in poor healing, an increased risk of disease or skin ulceration — including (but not limited to) Raynaud's, Scleroderma, peripheral vascular disease or peripheral neuropathy.

It may be more difficult to collect a sample if you have hard or callused skin on your fingertips.

Please see our FAQ on medications and supplements that could interfere with your test results for more information.

For your safety, you should not take this test if you are on medications such as blood thinners that increase your risk of bleeding. This test is not suitable if you are on hormonal contraception, hormonal replacement therapy, steroids or testosterone-containing medication (taken by mouth or topically in gels, creams, or patches), or if you have taken any of these medications in the 3 months prior to sample collection as your results may be impacted. Hormonal contraception lowers testosterone, FSH, LH, and AMHlevels and raises SHBG levels, therefore, the results would have limited use in the assessment of PCOS. Please speak to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and the best testing options for PCOS while on hormonal contraception. Biotin supplements may impact your test results if taken less than 8 hours before sample collection. Biotin is commonly found in multivitamin or B complex supplements. Please discuss any changes to your medication with your healthcare provider before taking this test.

No, this test alone cannot diagnose PCOS. There are several elements healthcare providers consider when diagnosing PCOS including test results, symptoms, and potentially ultrasounds scans and further tests. This test is a great first step towards diagnosis. If your results are abnormal, our clinical team can explain your results to you, answer your questions and guide you to your next steps. Taking this test can empower you to have an informed conversation with your healthcare provider to better enable their diagnosis. We provide a downloadable lab report for you to share with your healthcare provider.

If your period is absent or very infrequent we understand that you cannot plan to take this test on days 3-5 of your cycle. Instead, you can collect your samples on any Monday-Friday following the rest of the instructions provided. Your results may require further interpretation by a healthcare provider based on your individual health profile and symptoms. We provide a downloadable lab report for you to share with your healthcare provider.

You should collect your samples Monday-Friday, in the morning while fasting, and ensure your return is scheduled for the same day.

Collect your sample on day 3, 4, or 5 of your menstrual cycle. This is 3-5 days after the start of your period. If your period is absent or very infrequent and you cannot plan to take this test on days 3-5, please collect your samples on any Monday-Friday following the instructions. In this case, further interpretation of your results may be required and we provide your lab report in order to do so.

Fasting means that you take the test in the morning before you have breakfast. You can still drink water when fasting but avoid drinking water in the 30 minutes prior to collecting your saliva sample. Always follow the advice of your physician with regards to fasting, particularly if you have any medical conditions.

Collect your saliva sample before your blood sample. It is important to take your samples in this order because, for some people, taking a blood sample can temporarily raise their cortisol levels. For cortisol results that most accurately reflect your average levels, you should take your test at a time when you feel safe and calm and were not unusually stressed, scared, injured, or engaged in vigorous exercise in the 24 hours beforehand.

Collect your saliva sample before you brush your teeth. You should have fasted for 12 hours when taking your samples but do not eat, drink, or take any medication by mouth for 30 minutes prior to sample collection. Certain supplements such as biotin may impact your test result if taken less than 8 hours before sample collection. Speak to your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication schedule.

Please do not collect or return samples on a Saturday or Sunday.

It is very important to diagnose PCOS as early as possible because not only can it impact your fertility, but it also increases your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes and management of PCOS can help reduce these risks, improve fertility and manage or reduce symptoms.

At this time we cannot provide testosterone, SHBG or FAI results for women under 20. As these are important biomarkers for your healthcare provider to establish or rule out a PCOS diagnosis this test is not suitable for those under 20.

This test is only suitable for people with ovaries. If you identify as a man or gender non-specific and have ovaries, and you are not on hormonal therapy, then you can take this test.

If your results are abnormal, our nurses will call to explain your results, answer your questions and guide you through your next steps. Your next steps are sharing your lab report with your healthcare provider and discussing any symptoms you have with them. Your healthcare provider may follow up with further tests or scans before a diagnosis can be reached.

PCOS is very common. The CDC estimates that 6-12% (or as many as 5 million) of US women have PCOS*. However, as many as 50-75% of women with PCOS may be unaware of their condition**.

*Source: CDC, 2020 **Source: Wolf et al., Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2018 Nov; 15(11): 2589

Activating the PCOS test connects you to the unique alphanumeric barcode within your LetsGetChecked sample collection kit. The laboratory cannot process your sample if the test is not activated and linked to you.

LetsGetChecked works with a team of clinicians who will review your order and results.

Our clinical team is on standby throughout the testing process and, if your test results are abnormal, you may receive a call to discuss your results and next steps.

Keeping your personal data secure is important to us. We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of your information, and only share your information where required to deliver our products and services or where we have a legal basis to do so. All samples are disposed of following analysis.

LetsGetChecked tests are physician-approved and are as accurate as tests you would take in a healthcare facility. All tests are analyzed in labs which are CLIA certified and CAP-accredited in the US.

All of these laboratories undergo a frequent quality control check to ensure the highest standard of testing. The equipment and analyzers used in our partner labs are all designed for the specific function of capillary testing. All kits come with clear instructions that will guide you on how to take your sample.