For determining whether an individual is suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome, the doctor may prescribe some initial blood tests to be conducted. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) are the two hormones which are produced by the pituitary gland in response to another hormone produced there. FSH is responsible for stimulating the growth of egg follicle in the ovary. LH triggers in the releasing of eggs during ovulation process. Prior to ovulation, these two hormones have a surge in their values. Earlier diagnoses were made on a LH to FSH ratio of 3:1. But now this has been altered. This has been done because women with polycystic ovary syndrome will have high FSH and LH levels throughout their entire cycle. This increase in the level of FSH indicates polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is often the result of an excessive testosterone or Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) production in an individual. These are the two male hormones responsible for the formation of many male characteristics like abnormal hair loss or growth, acne in many people. This elevation of either hormone is found in many women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, conducting testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone tests on the individual will help in determining the level of this hormone in the individual. Whether the level is more than required or less than the optimum level can be easily determined. It becomes easy for the doctor thereby to start the treatment.

Radiography is reserved for those individuals who have equivocal laboratory findings. The radiologists also make a number of diagnoses after seeing the test result. Whether the doctor will accept this diagnosis is another fact, but this is helpful for an individual to become aware whether he is suffering from the disease.

Trans-abdominal ultra-sonography or trans-vaginal ultra-sonography are the two methods of ultra-sonography used for the detection of polycystic ovary syndrome in individuals. These tests are useful in taking pictures of the ovary and help in detecting the extent or the spread of the cysts in the ovary. This helps the doctor immensely who can formulate his treatment schedule accordingly.

Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI in its abbreviated version is also a helpful imaging procedure for detecting the extent of the cysts in the ovaries of individuals. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be more sensitive than ultra-sonography. However, the results found in magnetic resonance imaging are less specific than those found in ultra-sonography. Magnetic resonance imaging is sensitive to the detection of cysts but it is not enough specific to determine the polycystic ovarian syndrome alone without the help of other laboratory tests.

The thyroid tests are conducted to rule out any dysfunctions of the thyroid gland which may lead to irregularity in menstrual periods. Thyroid stimulating hormone or better known as TSH is also secreted by the pituitary gland of the body. It also controls two hormones produced by the thyroid gland, T3 and T4. These two hormones, T3 and T4 help in metabolism and can lead to similar changes in menstrual cycle similar to that in polycystic ovarian syndrome. This helps in easier treatment of the polycystic syndrome or of thyroid problems if the individual develops any.

The prolactin hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. It is responsible for promoting lactation in women. After conducting the test, if the result is more than the permissible limit, then it can lead to amenorrhea in the individual. This test is usually conducted to look for symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome in individuals and diagnose a treatment plan for them. If the test results show a higher prolactin than the normal amount, the doctor will conduct other blood tests or even a magnetic resonance imaging to find out the reason behind such excess secretion of the hormone.