I might have PCOS, unsure.

Dear Ask The Doctor: Well I have finally read up on my problem and from what I have read I believe that I may have PCOS. I am 21 years old, almost 22, and haven't had my period since I was 17. I have facial hair growth and some chest hair growth. I do not have medical insurance or a health care provider. So I was wondering if there was any way to know for sure what is wrong with me and any way I could get something done about it?

Dear Starla:

I would agree in ruling out the possibility of PCOS. There's no specific test to definitively diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome. The diagnosis is one of exclusion, which means your doctor considers all of your signs and symptoms and then rules out other possible disorders.

I would suggest you to consult a gynecologist for a more detailed evaluation; your blood may be drawn to measure the levels of several hormones to exclude possible causes of menstrual abnormalities or androgen excess that mimic PCOS. Additional blood testing may include fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels and a glucose tolerance test. You might need to be treated with oral contraceptives to regulate your cycles and the androgen effects like acne and facial hair, I wish you the best.