An evaluation of polycystic ovary disease begins with a history and physical examination. A pelvic exam is a necessary part of this evaluation.

Physical findings in women with polycystic ovary disease may include:

• Abdominal swelling
• Enlarged clitoris on pelvic exam
• Enlarged ovaries on pelvic exam
• Tenderness of an ovary on pelvic exam
• High blood pressure
• Hirsutism:
• Male physical features
• Increased body hair
• Deep voice
• Obesity

Tests are necessary to make the diagnosis of polycystic ovary disease.

The diagnosis of polycystic ovary disease requires:

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Evidence of excessive male hormone levels:
• Hirsutism
• Abnormally high levels of male hormones in the bloodstream

Tests that may be used to evaluate polycystic ovary disease include:

• 17-OH progesterone: increased
• Blood pregnancy test
• Serum androstenedione level
• Serum cholesterol level
• Serum triglyceride level
• Complete blood count
• Serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) level
• Dexamethasone suppression test
• Estradiol level
• Estrone level
• Follicle stimulating hormone level
• Glycosylated hemoglobin level
• Insulin levels
• Luteinizing hormone level
• LH / FSH ratio
• Sex hormone binding globulin
• Testosterone level

Additional tests that may be used to evaluate polycystic ovary disease include:

• Pelvic ultrasound
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis
• MRI scan of the abdomen and pelvis
• Laparoscopy