PCOD affects many women, irrespective of their age or ethnicity. It is a hormonal issue that can cause serious complications, including infertility. If you are struggling to conceive or are suffering from fertility issues, ruling out PCOD or PCOS is one of the first steps. A woman’s hormone levels fluctuate constantly, and measuring them at the right time is crucial for obtaining accurate results. Confused about your day 2 PCOD blood test? Here is a detailed step-by-step guide for the test.
PCOD – Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a common hormonal disorder in women. An imbalance in reproductive hormones leads to the release of immature eggs, which cannot be fertilised, thus leading to infertility or fertility issues. PCOD can also cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne.
A PCOD blood test will check the levels of these essential hormones to determine if they are within the desired range. PCOD can cause certain changes in the levels of these hormones, which the test can reveal.
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, LH and FSH play a crucial role in a female’s reproduction. An increase or decrease even in one of these hormones can cause an imbalance and thus affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.
A blood test can help evaluate these hormone levels and identify if and where the imbalance is. A PCOD blood test is typically taken on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle. The hormone levels are changing throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle. Taking the test on day 2 will give the most accurate results.
Some hormones checked in a PCOD blood test on day 2 of the menstrual cycle are:
It is quite natural to worry about a blood test, especially if you are suffering from certain symptoms. Anyone is bound to be anxious, and no one wants to make mistakes that may require them to undergo another test.
If you are planning to get a PCOD blood test on day 2 of your menstrual cycle, here are the steps to follow:
The first step is to prepare yourself for the test.
During the procedure:
Some doctors may prescribe an ultrasound to get images of the ovaries. In case of strong symptoms linked to PCOD, your doctor might suggest taking an ultrasound as well. While the blood test assesses the hormone levels, the ultrasound helps identify cysts, if any.
Your doctor will analyse the symptoms, medical history, and the blood test results to confirm a diagnosis. An ultrasound will help confirm the presence of cysts. If two out of three key parameters (irregular periods, symptoms of hormonal imbalance, and presence of cysts in ultrasound) are present, then a PCOD diagnosis is confirmed.
PCOD can cause irregular menstruation. In such cases, it is advisable to wait till your next menstrual period. The PCOD blood test is typically taken on day 2 or day 3 of menstruation. Once your period starts, you can inform your doctor and schedule the blood test for the following day. Your doctor and the lab professional can advise you on when to undergo the test.
What if you are unable to take your PCOD blood test on day 2? Can you take the test later?
Yes, you can still take your PCOD blood test on day 3 or 4 of your menstrual cycle. Though the hormone levels can be different on day 4, they won’t fluctuate very drastically as compared to day 2. Ensure you inform the lab technician and your doctor about the delay. Knowing which day of the cycle you are tested can help in analysing the results better.
A PCOD blood test can help determine if the hormone levels are within the required range. It can also enlighten you about which hormones are out of balance. The doctor can prescribe medications or treatments accordingly. Taking this test on day 2 of your menstrual cycle will give you the most accurate results. In the case of irregular periods, it is advisable to wait until your next menstrual period to take the test. Taking them in between may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.
