 
|
|||||||||
              
|
Do you have PCOS?
Monday, June 05, 2000
The following quiz will help you determine if you have PCOS or are at risk. For more information, log on to the Web site at www.pcosupport.org
Section I: Menstrual Irregularities
Score one point for each item, unless otherwise indicated.
When not on birth control pills, do you have or have you ever had any of the following problems:
- Eight or fewer periods per year
- No periods for an extended period of time (4 or more months)
- Fertility problems
(Score two points if you have seen a fertility specialist or been treated with fertility drugs to induce ovulation
Section II: Skin Problems
Score one point for each item, unless otherwise indicated.
- Adult acne, or severe adolescent acne
- Excess facial or body hair, especially upper lip, chin, neck, chest and/or abdomen
- Skin tags (tear-dropped shaped skin folds)
- Balding or thinning hair
- Dark or discolored patches of skin on your neck, groin, under arms or in skin folds
(Score two points if you answer yes to this question)
Section III: Weight and Insulin-Based Problems
Score one point for each item, unless otherwise indicated.
- Excess weight or difficulty maintaining weight
(Score two points if your excess weight is centered around your middle)
- Sudden, unexplained weight gain
- Shaking, lack of concentration, uncontrollable under and/or mood swings two or more hours after a meal
- Type II Diabetes
(Score two points if you answer yes to this question)
Section IV: Related Problems*
*Although there is little or no documented research, many women with PCOS have experienced the following problems
- Migraines
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Rapid pulse and/or irregular heartbeat
- Pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes or excess amniotic fluid
Scoring results
0-4
Although PCOS is possible, it is much less likely for you than those scoring higher.
5-9
If you are concerned about your health and score in this range, you may want to consider talking to your doctor about the possibility of PCOS as well as other disorders.
10-15
PCOS is a syndrome, not a disease, and most women experience some but not all of the problems listed above. The majority of women who are diagnosed with PCOS score in this range. If you scored in this range you should see a doctor about the possibility that you have PCOS.
16-20
A score this high warrants urgent consultation with a doctor for PCOS or other endocrine-related disorders.
Source: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association.
|
||||||||
