I've had majorly irregular periods for 4 years, since i started. I don't have bad skin, but when I get a spot it lasts for ages. I also gain weight easily around my stomach which no amount of diet or exercise makes go away, which i have been told is a sign. I am slightly anemic
I feel i should go to the doctor, but i don't want to look stupid. Could i have it, what are the main symptoms and how do the dianose it?
Thank you xx

PCOS symptoms generally show up as irregular period, acne, androgenic hormones ( the hormones that cause men to achieve their masculine features.. ie: hair, voice deepening, etc.) Oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea — irregular, few, or absent menstrual periods.
Infertility, generally resulting from chronic anovulation (lack of ovulation).
Hirsutism — excessive mild symptoms of hyperandrogenism, such as acne or hyperseborrhea, are frequent in adolescent girls and are often associated with irregular menstrual cycles.

It is diagnosed based off of your history — IE: How many of the symptoms or diagnostic criteria you have and have had for over 3-6months. further it is affirmed via Ultra sonography and sometimes laproscopy. it can usually be picked up easily with a simply ultra sound… which is cheap and quick.. so is often the first 'check'.

Yes, you *could* have it — though all of your symptoms can be related to a hundred other things. your best bet is to make an appointment with a gynecologist you feel comfortable with and get a firm diagnosis on your problems. You need to see one anyway due to your issues, and if it isn't PCOS, then you can get treatment for the other things that are lowering your quality of life. No sense in just going around in life without treating yourself.

All the best,

The symptoms that usually bring you to the doctor are the irregular periods. Some girls will only have one a couple of times a year. other symptoms include acne, excess hair growth on the body (arms and face, etc.), male-pattern hair loss, weight gain, multiple small cysts on the ovaries.
We typically diagnose with an interview intake, ultrasound, and returning for fasting glucose/insulin test, then drinking a 75 gram glucola drink, and drawing more blood in 2 hours to check multiple hormones including a 2 hour glucose and insulin.

I have severe PCOS and Endomitriosis, keep that in mind when I describe my symptoms..
Weight gain, that I have to be very strict to keep off
Hair growth in strange places
Horribly painful irregular periods
When I have my periods, I tend to be horribly sick, vomiting, extreme pain, super heavy periods
VERY irregular periods, as in, I would start, bleed for 2 days, stop for a day or two, bleed for 5 days, stop for 3, bleed for a week, then not have a period for 3 months.
Of course, ovarian cysts
Bad acne
Anemic

Do diagnose it, visit your doctor, they will do an ultra sound, which can usually diagnose it. most people can be treated with birth control pills. I on the other hand have had several surgeries.

If ever in doubt, go to the doc hun. its far better to go and it be nothing, then to have a health issue and let it go untreated.

Good luck!