Can anyone tell me about PCOS [[polycystic ovary syndrome]]?

I looked it up on web md but does anyone out there have it or know someone who does...can u feel me in on exactly what u know from experience...

A friend of mine has PCOS, and the major symptom she has experienced is highly irregular periods. The doctor put her on birth control to fix that. I know it can also cause weight problems, and excessive body hair in some cases. It can also cause fertility problems, but not always.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (abbreviated PCOS or PCO), also known clinically as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is an endocrine disorder that affects approximately one in ten women. It occurs amongst all races and nationalities, is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and is a leading cause of infertility. The principal features are weight problems, lack of regular ovulation and/or menstruation, and excessive amounts or effects of androgenic (masculinizing) hormones. The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly between women. While the causes are unknown, insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity are all strongly correlated with PCOS

Medical treatment of PCOS is tailored to the patient's goals. Broadly, these may be considered under three categories:
Restoration of fertility
Treatment of hirsutism or acne
Restoration of regular menstruation, and prevention of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer

Common symptoms of PCOS include

Oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea 鈥?irregular, few, or absent menstrual periods; cycles that do occur may be heavy (heavy bleeding is also an early warning sign of endometrial cancer (in post menopausal women), for which women with PCOS are at slightly higher risk).
Infertility, generally resulting from chronic anovulation (lack of ovulation).
Hirsutism 鈥?unwanted body hair, typically in a male pattern affecting face, chest and legs.
Dyspareunia 鈥?pain during sexual intercourse.
Androgenic alopecia 鈥?male-pattern baldness.
Acne, oily skin, seborrhea.
Acanthosis nigricans 鈥?dark patches of skin, tan to dark brown or black, a sign of insulin resistance, which is associated with PCOS.
Acrochordons (skin tags) 鈥?tiny flaps of skin.
Prolonged periods of PMS-like symptoms (bloating, mood swings, pelvic pain, backaches).
Mild symptoms of hyperandrogenism, such as acne or hyperseborrhea, are frequent in adolescent girls and are often associated with irregular menstrual cycles. In most instances, these symptoms are transient and only reflect the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis during the first years following menarche.
It is important to know that PCOS can present in any age. Many can be diagnosed as young children, some might not present until after menopause. It is vital to find a PCOS knowledgeable doctor.