Having PCOS Doesn’t Just Mean You Have Cysts on Your Ovaries…So, What Does it Mean?

If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, you’re not alone. It’s a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. While there is no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. But before we get into that, let’s first understand the different types of PCOS and how they affect your overall well-being.

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects women of childbearing age and is one of the most common causes of infertility. PCOS can cause a variety of symptoms, including irregular periods, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne.

The Four Main Types of PCOS

There are four main types of PCOS: Insulin-Resistant PCOS, Post-Pill PCOS, Adrenal PCOS, and Inflammatory PCOS. Here’s a quick overview of each one:

1. Insulin-Resistant PCOS

Insulin-resistant PCOS is the most common type of PCOS. Women with this type have high levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Androgens are responsible for the development of masculinising features, such as excess hair growth and acne. Insulin resistance can lead to weight gain and diabetes. Women with Insulin-Resistant PCOS often have irregular periods and may have difficulty getting pregnant.

It's crucial to have accurate pathology testing completed to assess if this is what is causing your PCOS.

2. Post-Pill PCOS

Post-Pill PCOS occurs after stopping birth control pills. For some women, their bodies don’t go back to producing the same level of hormones as before they were on the pill. This can lead to irregular periods, fertility problems, and cysts on the ovaries.

3. Adrenal PCOS

Adrenal PCOS is linked to the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys and produce hormones like cortisol and DHEA-S. These hormones are important in metabolism, stress response, and reproductive health. When someone has adrenal PCOS, their bodies produce higher than normal levels of these hormones, leading to hair loss, acne, weight gain, and irregular periods.

4. Inflammatory PCOS

Inflammatory PCOS is associated with chronic inflammation, which can lead to health problems like heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Women with inflammatory PCOS have higher levels of certain inflammatory markers in their blood, causing ovulation problems, weight gain, infertility, and miscarriages. Typically, you will see high inflammatory markers such as CRP.

Treatment for PCOS

Treatment is based on addressing the root cause of your PCOS. Here’s how each type is typically managed:

• Insulin-Resistant PCOS: Focus on lowering androgen levels and balancing blood sugar.
• Post-Pill PCOS: Emphasis on liver support and hormone support to normalise estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Adrenal PCOS: Support for stress and stress hormones.
• Inflammatory PCOS: Decreasing systemic inflammation is critical.

All treatments involve herbal remedies and nutritional support.

Understanding the type of PCOS you have is crucial for effective management. By identifying whether you have Insulin-Resistant PCOS, Post-Pill PCOS, Adrenal PCOS, or Inflammatory PCOS, you can tailor your treatment plan to address the root cause of your symptoms. 

Working closely with a healthcare professional to develop a personalised approach, including the use of herbal remedies and nutritional support, can help you manage your PCOS symptoms more effectively and improve your overall wellbeing. Click here to book a 1:1 consult to discuss how you can alleviate symptoms of PCOS today!