Many young menstruators have concerns about irregular period schedules, acne and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, the diagnosis of PCOS in young people is tricky for many reasons, including the fact that irregular periods and acne are quite common in adolescence. 

Here are some things to know about the acne that is generally produced by PCOS (although this is very nonspecific):

• it is usually pretty severe, painful and extensive

• antibiotic treatment for acne only provides a little, if any, improvement (this is because the acne is primarily hormonal)

• it is often accompanied by abnormal hair patterns (like growth on the chest, mustache and beard distribution, abdomen and back)

Most importantly, even if you HAVE noticed any of the above signs, it doesn’t automatically mean you have PCOS. It’s always best to talk with a doctor for further evaluation.