PCOS Symptom Severity Score
8 clinical questions based on Rotterdam diagnostic criteria + the modified Ferriman-Gallwey hirsutism scale. Educational self-assessment — a high score means “get tested,” not “you have PCOS.”
PCOS Symptom Severity Score
8 clinical questions based on Rotterdam criteria + Ferriman-Gallwey scoring. Educational self-assessment — diagnosis requires ultrasound + bloodwork.
What this score actually measures
This tool screens for the symptom cluster that defines PCOS: irregular cycles, hyperandrogenism (hirsutism / acne / scalp hair loss), and metabolic features (central weight gain, dark skin patches, weight-loss difficulty). Each question reflects a clinical marker your gynecologist would ask about during a PCOS workup.
PCOS subtypes — same name, different drivers
Not all PCOS is the same. The four clinical phenotypes are:
- Insulin-resistant PCOS — the most common (~70%). Central weight gain, acanthosis nigricans, family history of T2D. Responds best to low-glycemic eating + resistance training.
- Inflammatory PCOS — chronic gut issues, skin problems, fatigue. Responds to gut healing + anti-inflammatory protocols.
- Adrenal PCOS — elevated DHEA-S (not testosterone), often triggered by chronic stress. Responds to stress management + adaptogens + protein-rich breakfasts.
- Post-pill PCOS — symptoms emerged after stopping hormonal birth control. Often resolves within 6-12 months with targeted nutrition.
If your score is elevated
Get a workup. The minimum tests: HbA1c, fasting insulin (use the HOMA-IR calculator with that), LH, FSH, free testosterone, SHBG, TSH, and a pelvic ultrasound. Most of these can be done at any standard Indian diagnostic lab for ₹3,000-5,000 combined.
Common questions about PCOS
Can this tool diagnose PCOS?
No. PCOS diagnosis requires the Rotterdam criteria — at least 2 of 3: irregular ovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism (high free testosterone or visible hirsutism/acne), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. This tool helps you decide whether to seek that workup.
What labs should I get if my score is moderate or high?
Standard PCOS workup: LH and FSH (the LH:FSH ratio > 2:1 suggests PCOS), free testosterone, DHEA-S, SHBG, fasting insulin and glucose (for HOMA-IR), HbA1c, lipid panel, TSH (to rule out thyroid mimics), and prolactin. A pelvic ultrasound completes the picture.
I have regular cycles. Can I still have PCOS?
Yes — about 15-20% of women with PCOS have regular cycles. This is sometimes called 'lean PCOS' or 'mild phenotype PCOS'. They typically show high androgens (causing hirsutism / acne / hair loss) without the irregular cycles. If your score is elevated despite regular cycles, get bloodwork anyway.
What's the difference between PCOS and PCOD?
In Indian clinical practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, but technically PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) refers just to ovaries with multiple small cysts on ultrasound, while PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is the full metabolic + hormonal + reproductive condition. Most women diagnosed with PCOD by an ultrasound report have full PCOS by Rotterdam criteria.
Will losing weight cure PCOS?
PCOS isn't curable but is highly manageable. A 5-10% body weight reduction in overweight women with PCOS frequently restores ovulation, normalizes cycles, and lowers free testosterone. For lean PCOS, the focus shifts to insulin sensitivity (often via low-glycemic eating + resistance training) and androgen management rather than weight loss.
Symptom score elevated? A program built specifically for PCOS.
Dt. Trishala Goswami’s PCOS program identifies your subtype, addresses the root drivers (insulin resistance, inflammation, adrenal stress, or post-pill), and works alongside your gynecologist’s care.