Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of women. Despite its wide reach, PCOS frequently goes undiagnosed, leading to serious health risks.
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, PCOS is the most common metabolic disorder among women of childbearing age, affecting between 5 to 10 million women in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of female infertility and raises the risk of heart disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Doctors often struggle to diagnose PCOS because symptoms vary greatly from one woman to another. “The average patient sees five medical practitioners before getting diagnosed,” said Dr. Steven Foley, a gynecologist in Colorado Springs, Colorado, who specializes in PCOS. “Early diagnosis is critical, not just for preventing more serious complications, but because the condition can be physically and emotionally damaging.”
PCOS symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, high testosterone levels, and metabolic issues like abnormal cholesterol levels. Yet, no single test exists to confirm a diagnosis. That’s where a more advanced blood test—the VAP (Vertical Auto Profile) Cholesterol Test—is making a difference.
Developed by Atherotech Diagnostics Lab, the VAP Test goes beyond the standard cholesterol panel. It measures 22 separate blood components, including cholesterol subclasses, and does not require fasting. This gives doctors a much more detailed view of a patient’s risk factors. The test is widely covered by insurance.
Dr. Foley recently used the VAP Test to diagnose a 24-year-old woman who had unexplained weight gain, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol. She faced an increased risk of early heart disease, diabetes, and infertility. With the help of the VAP Test, Dr. Foley designed a treatment plan that included a healthy diet, regular exercise, and diabetes medication. The test continues to help monitor her progress and manage her heart disease risk.
“It’s the most accurate and easiest way to assess cholesterol and PCOS risk in my female patients,” Foley said. “It’s also useful in creating a treatment plan and tracking response to treatment.”
September is PCOS Awareness Month—a timely reminder for women to talk to their doctors about PCOS, especially if they’re experiencing symptoms. As awareness grows and diagnostic tools like the VAP Test become more common, more women may finally get the answers they’ve been searching for.
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