Evaluating Ovulation
After discussing health and reproductive history, as well as the menstrual cycle, we may perform blood tests to evaluate numerous hormone levels that may help us to determine why oligoovulation or anovulation may be occurring. These may include androgens, like testosterone, thyroid levels, estrogen, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), prolactin, and anti-müllerian hormone, among others.
A transvaginal ultrasound can show if the follicles (egg sacs) are in a certain pattern indicative of possible PCOS, and potentially if the woman is developing an ovulatory follicle. At times, we can also see that ovulation has occurred, based on the presence of a corpus luteum in the ovary and changes in the uterine lining.