I am 27, and afraid I might have PCOS? What is it? I am skinny but have pretty bad acne and oily skin that has been controlled for BCP for pst 10 years. Every time I try to stop the pill my acne comes back and I have regular period for only about 2 months. To all of those with PCOS what symptoms did u have, what tests have to be positive, will being on BCP for all these years worsen my chances?

PCOS is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It can affect fertility and weight. People with PCOS usually have cysts on their ovaries but not everyone with PCOS has this. Hence the name, PCOS.

Symptoms of it are:

Irregular or no periods
Male growth hair pattern (eg face or body)
Weight problems (usually weight gain but some are thin)
Oily skin
Acne
Cysts on ovaries
Problems conceiving
No/lack of ovulation

Some also are glucose intolerant or type 2 diabetic. Its usualy onset is during the teenage years when puberty starts.

There is no specific test for PCOS. A diagnosis is made based on symptoms, meeting criteria and blood test results. Testosterone, Lipid levels, ovulation tests are usually done in the diagnosis of PCOS along with other tests. (I cant remember all of them sorry)

For more information do a search on the internet for PCOS. :)