Final answer:
Laboratory tests for a woman with severe PMS may include measurements of androgen levels and fasting blood glucose, along with a pelvic ultrasound, to check for conditions like PCOS, as well as thyroid function, LH, FSH, and estrogen tests, especially during peri-menopause.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a woman is experiencing severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), her healthcare provider may order several laboratory tests to evaluate her condition. A pelvic ultrasound may be performed if symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods, overweight, acne, and excess facial hair suggest an endocrine disorder like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If PCOS is suspected, labs may include measurements of androgen levels and fasting blood glucose to assess the hormonal balance and screen for insulin resistance, which are often associated with PCOS. Moreover, tests to evaluate thyroid function, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estrogen may prove informative, particularly during the menopausal transition, a period termed peri-menopause. During this phase, changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to a range of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and changes in menstrual patterns. Blood work can help identify if the symptoms are due to hormonal fluctuations associated with this transition or to an underlying condition like PCOS.