Lab results can feel overwhelming, but understanding what each test measures helps you have informed conversations with your doctor.

Hormone panel: • Total testosterone (normal: 15-70 ng/dL) — The primary androgen tested • Free testosterone — The "active" portion; often elevated even when total is normal • DHEA-S (normal: 65-380 μg/dL) — Adrenal androgen; if this is the main elevation, consider adrenal PCOS • SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) — Often low in PCOS, which leaves more free testosterone active • LH/FSH ratio — Often elevated in PCOS (LH higher than FSH); helps distinguish PCOS from other causes • AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) — Often elevated in PCOS due to more follicles

Metabolic panel: • Fasting insulin — The most important test many doctors skip. Should ideally be under 10 μIU/mL • Fasting glucose — Can be normal even with significant insulin resistance • HOMA-IR — Calculated: (fasting insulin × fasting glucose) / 405. Above 2.0 suggests insulin resistance • HbA1c — 3-month blood sugar average. Under 5.7% is normal • Lipid panel — Cholesterol and triglycerides, often affected by insulin resistance

Other important tests: • Vitamin D — 67-85% of people with PCOS are deficient • TSH, Free T3, Free T4 — Rule out thyroid conditions • CRP — Inflammatory marker, often elevated in PCOS

Reference ranges vary between labs. A value at the "high end of normal" may still be contributing to symptoms. Discuss your results with your doctor in the context of your specific situation.