PCOS is not easy for doctors to diagnose. The common symptoms of PCOS include irregular or absent menstrual cycles and evidence of excess male hormones, such as facial hair growth, acne, and hair thinning (female balding). Many, but not all, women with PCOS are overweight. Even if several of the symptoms that follow are present, a woman may not have a case of PCOS. They may have a condition that affects the adrenal gland or the thyroid gland, for example.
The underlying cause of PCOS is an imbalance of hormones. This imbalance often seems to be linked with the way the body processes insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that promotes use of blood sugar (glucose). Insulin problems can increase male hormone production by the ovaries.
Women who think they may have PCOS should see their doctor. While PCOS may bring obvious symptoms, such as more body hair, it can also hold dangers. PCOS may put women at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer of the uterus.
Women who are approaching menopause, the time of life when periods begin to taper off and then stop, may notice that most of their PCOS symptoms start going away. Some may even begin to have regular cycles as they approach menopause.
Some conditions related to PCOS may not be obvious but are potentially dangerous:
Diabetes - Most women with PCOS have problems using their body's insulin. About 30% of women with PCOS have a problem processing blood sugar, called glucose intolerance. This is a major risk factor for adult-onset diabetes.
Heart and blood vessel disease - People with high insulin levels, as in PCOS, often have low levels of so-called good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and high levels of other fats, including triglycerides. These factors are known to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke later in life. Women with PCOS also can have elevated bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.
Cancer of the uterus - The lining of uterus normally builds up and is shed with the menstrual period each month. Because of irregular menstrual cycles and lack of ovulation, the lining of the uterus may not shed as often as it should. If PCOS goes untreated, this may increase the risk of cancer of the uterus.
In PCOS, a variety of obvious symptoms can occur. Remember, PCOS is a syndrome, and each person will have a different set of symptoms. If you have two or more of the following symptoms, you should go to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and the right treatments.
Irregular periods - Nine or fewer menstrual cycles per year may be a sign of PCOS. Bleeding may be heavier than normal. These conditions are caused by a hormone problem, because the ovaries are not working properly and producing hormones that keep the menstrual cycle regular.
Infertility - Because women with PCOS don't have regular menstrual cycles, many are unable to get pregnant. With help, women with PCOS can get pregnant, however. A number of infertility treatments are available. (See section on Treatments.)
Hirsutism - Hirsutism means excess hair, which can be a difficult symptom for many women. For most women with PCOS, hair in the mustache and beard areas becomes heavier and darker. Masculine hair on the arms and legs and more hair growing in the pubic region, abdomen, chest or back are also possible. This symptom is caused by high levels of male hormones (androgens), as are thinning hair and acne.
Thinning hair - Just as heavier hair growth is possible, scalp hair thinning may be present. This is caused by higher levels of androgens.
Acne - Acne (pimples and oily skin) can also bother women with PCOS. The acne is usually found around the face (especially along the jaw line), chest, and back.
Weight gain - Many women with PCOS gain weight around their middles taking on an apple shape rather than a pear shape. Such weight gain is linked with problems with the proper use of glucose and insulin in the body.
Other skin problems - Skin tags, thick lumps of skin that can be as large as raisins, can form and usually are found in the armpits or neck. These can easily be removed. Darkening and thickening of the skin also can occur around the neck, groin, underarms, or skin folds. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, is a sign of an insulin abnormality.
Depression and anxiety - Because of the nature of many of these symptoms, woman may find themselves more anxious or depressed by their appearance, or by their inability to become pregnant.
www.hormone.org to find more information
love
Letisha
this helped me at first ..
Symptoms to look for if you have PCOS 
iwill 
Newly Diagnosed 
and I about fell to the ground in tears in denial but in a way joyful, cause I have been battling fertility problem, period problems weight problems, ovary cysts and a enlarged ovary forever, and no doctor including my gyn has been able to tell me what as wrong. Now I finally know what is going on... I had some blood tests done yesterday now just waiting for the results to confirm the diagnosis. I am so scared about this whole thing, I just dont know what to think??? 
Just wanted to let everyone know, that I am so grateful that I have found this website.. Wish me luck,,
to morning star 
