Can general physical examination and ultrasound detect polycystic ovary syndrome

General physical examination and ultrasound can usually detect polycystic ovary syndrome, but it needs to be diagnosed in combination with hormone testing. Polycystic ovary syndrome is mainly diagnosed through changes in ovarian morphology and abnormal hormone levels. Physical examination and ultrasound can observe polycystic like changes in the ovaries, but diagnosis requires laboratory tests such as six sex hormones. If multiple small follicles without dominant follicles are found in one or both ovaries during ultrasound examination, and the ovarian volume increases, it may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome. The typical ultrasound manifestation is that there are more than 12 follicles with a diameter of 2-9 millimeters inside the ovary, or the ovarian volume exceeds 10 milliliters. However, some patients may only show mild increase in the number of follicles in the early stage, which needs to be comprehensively judged based on clinical manifestations such as menstrual abnormalities, acne, and hirsutism. Obese patients may experience a decrease in ultrasound image clarity due to abdominal fat interference, and require transvaginal ultrasound to improve detection rate. In rare cases, relying solely on physical examination and ultrasound may result in missed diagnosis. Some atypical patients may not have significant changes in ovarian morphology, or may have other endocrine disorders such as hyperprolactinemia and thyroid dysfunction, which need to be further differentiated through hormone testing such as the ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone levels. Polycystic changes in the ovaries of adolescent women may be a physiological phenomenon that requires follow-up observation. Some medical institutions may use low resolution ultrasound equipment or have inexperienced operators, which may also affect the accuracy of the results.

It is recommended that women with symptoms such as menstrual disorders and infertility undergo hormone testing based on ultrasound examination, and seek medical attention at a gynecology or endocrinology department. Maintain a regular daily routine, control a high sugar and high-fat diet, and engage in moderate exercise to improve insulin resistance. Avoid excessive bladder filling or fasting before ultrasound examination, and avoid menstrual periods during transvaginal ultrasound.