How PCOS (now called PMOS) is diagnosed: tests in order

The rule: two of three

The 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline uses the Rotterdam criteriaRotterdam criteria: The diagnostic rule for PCOS: two of three features (irregular ovulation, high androgens, polycystic ovaries or high AMH), after ruling out other causes.. You need at least two of:

1. Irregular ovulation

Cycles under 21 or over 35 days, or fewer than 8 a year, from 3 years after your first period (Rec 1.1.1)

2. High androgens

Acne, hirsutism or scalp thinning, or a high testosterone blood test

3. Ovaries

Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, or a high AMH in adults (Rec 1.4.6, 1.5.1)

Plus

Other causes ruled out, especially thyroid and prolactin problems

The PMOS rename on 12 May 2026 did not change these criteria. If you were diagnosed with PCOS before, you do not need to be retested.

The tests, in order

A sensible, guideline-based path looks like this. Your doctor may combine steps in one visit.

1. History and exam. Your OB asks about your cycles (bring dates from the cycle tracker), checks for acne, hair growth and dark skin patches, and takes your blood pressure. A pregnancy test comes first if there is any chance.
2. Rule out look-alikes. TSH (thyroid) and prolactin blood tests. These are standard in a PCOS workup.
3. Androgen blood test, if signs are unclear. Total or free testosterone. If you clearly have hirsutism or significant acne, the blood test may not change the diagnosis. LH and FSH are often added.
4. Ovaries: ultrasound or AMH, only if needed. If you have only one of the first two features, your doctor checks the ovaries with a TVSTVS: Transvaginal ultrasound: a scan of the womb and ovaries through the vagina., a transrectal ultrasoundtransrectal ultrasound: A pelvic scan through the rectum, offered to people who are not sexually active., or in adults, an AMHAMH: Anti-Mullerian hormone. In adults it can be used instead of an ultrasound to check the ovaries (2023 Guideline). blood test.
5. Metabolic checks for everyone diagnosed. A 75 g OGTTOGTT: Oral glucose tolerance test: you drink 75 g of glucose and blood sugar is checked over 2 hours. The most accurate glucose test in PCOS., which the guideline calls “the most accurate test” (Rec 1.9.9), and a lipid profile “regardless of age and BMI” (Rec 1.8.3). HbA1cHbA1c: A blood test showing average blood sugar over about 3 months. is often added. Blood pressure yearly.
6. Mood and eating screening. The guideline asks doctors to screen all adults for depression and anxiety (Rec 2.2.1, 2.2.2), and for eating disorders regardless of weight (Rec 2.5.1).
7. Follow-up. Repeat the OGTT every 1 to 3 years, more often if results were borderline.

Kailangan ba talaga ng TVS?

This is where many Filipinas can save money and stress.

• Irregular cycles plus androgen signs: ultrasound is not needed for diagnosis (Rec 1.4.9, 1.5.2).
• Adults with only one of those features: either an ultrasound or an AMH blood test can provide the third feature (Rec 1.4.6, 1.5.1).
• Not sexually active: a transrectal ultrasound is the usual PH alternative to transvaginal, and AMH is another option.

An ultrasound can still be useful for other reasons, such as heavy bleeding, pain, or checking the womb lining. If your doctor recommends one, it is fine to ask what it will add.

Teens: no ultrasound

Within 8 years of the first period, the guideline says ultrasound is “not recommended” for diagnosis. Teens need both irregular cycles and high androgens. If only one is present, ask your doctor when to check again. Kindred offers a teens package from from ₱750.

What happens in PH clinics

In practice, Philippine OBs order a transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound almost universally, often at the first visit. Filipinas on r/PCOSPhilippines report paying for consult plus TVS on the same day at lying-in clinics and hospitals. That is not wrong, but it is not always required.

The bigger gap is often the metabolic tests. The most upvoted experience post on r/PCOSPhilippines (141 upvotes) describes an OB saying she “no longer had PCOS”, then an endocrinologist who “checks everything” and found high LDL and borderline sugar. If your workup did not include an OGTT and lipids, ask for them.

What the Hi-Precision PMOS panel includes

Hi-Precision's “PMOS (formerly PCOS) Comprehensive Screening”, sold through Hati Health, bundles: TVS, FT3, FT4, HbA1c, SGOT, SGPT, testosterone, TSH, prolactin, OGTT, lipid profile and Pap smear. It does not include a doctor's consult, so you still need an OB to read the results and make the diagnosis.

It covers the guideline's core tests in one booking. If you already had a recent ultrasound, or you do not need one, a smaller panel or individual tests may cost less.

Magkano ang PCOS test?

Lab packages:

Individual tests and scans:

A basic check (OB consult plus ultrasound) costs about ₱1,500 to ₱2,500. A full guideline workup with OGTT, lipids and androgens runs about ₱4,000 to ₱10,000. See the full cost guide.

PhilHealth Konsulta

The PhilHealth Konsulta benefit table lists OGTT, HbA1c, FBS, lipid profile, pelvic ultrasound and Pap smear among its lab tests, and metformin among its medicines, “as needed as part of case management”. Oral contraceptives are not on the list, and outpatient PCOS medicines are generally not covered by PhilHealth.

To use Konsulta, register with an accredited Konsulta provider near you. Government hospitals also offer much cheaper ultrasounds, and Mercury Drug has run free PCOS screening days. Read how to spend less.

OB or endo? Saan ako magsisimula?

• OB-GYN first for most people: irregular periods, diagnosis, the pill, fertility. A consult at Kindred costs ₱850 per consult; at PGH, ₱0 to ₱500; at UST Hospital, ₱800 to ₱1,500.
• Endocrinologist when your OGTT, HbA1c or lipids are abnormal, you have strong insulin resistance signs, or you want to discuss GLP-1 medicines. Endocrinologist fees vary: [TODO: verify price].
• Dermatologist for stubborn acne, hirsutism or hair loss, often alongside your OB.
• Reproductive endocrinologist if you are trying to conceive. Kindred lists this consult at ₱1,400 per consult.

After the diagnosis

A diagnosis is the start, not the end. Your plan depends on your goal: regular cycles and lining protection, skin and hair, metabolic health, or pregnancy. Compare all treatments, and keep your follow-up OGTT on the calendar. Filipinas who drop out of care often do so because of cost, side effects or the belief that there is no point because it cannot be cured. Staying in care is what protects you.

This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting or changing any treatment.

• Self-checkSee which features you may have, and what to ask for.→
• SymptomsEvery sign, and when it needs a doctor.→
• Find a doctorHow to find a non-judgmental OB-GYN or endo.→