Gynecologists often use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to identify metabolic disorders.
Medical History
A detailed medical history can reveal symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, fatigue, and excessive hair growth, which may indicate underlying metabolic conditions.
Physical Examination
During a physical examination, gynecologists look for signs such as acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety skin patches), hirsutism, and obesity, which are commonly associated with metabolic disorders.
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests play a crucial role in diagnosis. Common tests include:
- Blood glucose levels
- Hemoglobin A1c (for diabetes)
- Lipid profile
- Thyroid function tests
- Hormonal assays (e.g., testosterone, LH, FSH) for PCOS
