Initially described almost a 100 years ago by doctors Stein & Leventhal, the understanding of the disease continues to evolve even today!
To say a woman has PCOS, 2 out of the following 3 are necessary :-1. Irregular Periods (2-3 monthly or more)
2. Excess facial / body hair, excess Acne (Pimples)
3. Ultrasonography done on 2nd day of periods showing Polycystic Ovaries (famous "String of Pearls" appearance)
NOTE :- NO BLOOD TESTS are necessary to Diagnose PCOS. They are only needed to rule out other diseases.
First and foremost, PCOS is a LIFESTYLE DISORDER.
It is NOT a purely Gynec or Cosmetic condition. It IS a METABOLIC condition. Just like Diabetes (both have the same underlying cause - Insulin Resistance).
What exactly is PCOS..?!
Insulin Resistance (body's inablility to use Insulin effectively) is the BASIC disorder that leads to polycystic ovaries, irregular periods, excess hair/pimples and later on - Diabetes, Heart disease, high risk of Cancer of Uterus and/or Ovaries.
Irregular Periods due to PCOS lead to difficulties in getting pregnant (Infertility) too.
PCOS and Obesity - Because of Insulin Resistance, the women Gain Fat easily and have a hard time losing it. They also tend to put on fat mainly around the tummy, which is linked with higher risk of heart disease. 
Hence, rather than Scale weight or the commonly used BMI (Body Mass Index), it is better to measure Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), to correctly estimate fat deposition around the tummy. WHR < 0.8 is considered ideal/normal for women (and < 0.9 for men).
What can YOU do?
Healthy Lifestyle (Healthy Eating Habits & Regular Exercise) goes a long way in managing PCOS!
It is the Primary and THE most effective form of management for PCOS, especially to prevent the long term diseases.
So, ladies, if you are suffering from Irregular periods and/or Excess hair/pimples, head to your Gynecologist first to find out whether you have PCOS.
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