4 Types of PCOS and How to Treat Them

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome which means it is based on a collection of symptoms. Every woman experiences PCOS differently based on the type of PCOS she has and the severity of it.

To heal your PCOS you need to figure out the root cause. To determine the root cause, you must know which type of PCOS you have. There are four types of PCOS including insulin-resistant PCOS, inflammatory PCOS, pill-induced PCOS, and adrenal PCOS.

Once you know what type you have you can learn the best way to heal your body. Below you will learn more about each type of PCOS, how to determine the type you have, and how to best treat your PCOS symptoms.

Types of PCOS

PCOS may be caused by different underlying issues which is why it is categorized in four different types. The treatment method also depends on the type of PCOS and what causes it.

Insulin-resistant PCOS

Insulin resistance is the most common type of PCOS. It is sometimes referred to as “classic” PCOS.

Approximately, 70 % of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. It is a major problem occurring in patients of both lean and obese PCOS.

Insulin resistance is when high levels of insulin prevent ovulation and activate the ovaries to produce testosterone.  Insulin resistance is thought to be caused by the intake of excess sugar, smoking, environmental toxins, and eating trans-fats.

How do you know you have insulin resistant PCOS?

Do you crave sugars, sweets, and carbs all the time?  If you’re apple-shaped and carry most of your weight around your middle that is a strong indicator as well.  If your doctor has run tests and your blood sugar levels are elevated and prediabetic you have insulin resistant PCOS. An A1C of 5.7 is considered prediabetic. Also, an abnormal glucose tolerance test would be another factor that demonstrates insulin resistance.

Treatment options:

If you have insulin resistant PCOS there are several steps you can take to reverse your symptoms. The first step in treating this form of PCOS is to quit sugar. It is also important to include exercise specifically resistance training into your routine to help utilize insulin effectively.

Supplements such as inositol can also help with insulin-resistant PCOS as well as intermittent fasting.

It takes a good amount of time to see improvements with insulin and blood sugar regulation. It can take close to 9 months to start seeing positive changes so make sure to be consistent and patient.

 Some doctors suggest oral contraceptives to treat PCOS however, they can cause issues with sugar regulation and I would not recommend them if you have insulin resistant PCOS.

 Pill-induced PCOS

Pill-induced PCOS is the second most common type. Birth control pills are used to suppress ovulation. Once you stop taking the pill, your ovaries should begin to work again, and you should get a monthly period and resume ovulation. However, some women may not recover from the effects of the pill for a longer time (months or years) and continue to experience suppressed ovulation. This is considered pill-induced PCOS.

How do you know you have pill-induced PCOS?

If your periods were regular before starting the pill and now are abnormal or you don’t have a period after taking the pill. Another possible sign of pill-induced PCOS is you may also have an increased level of LH (luteinizing hormone) in the blood if you are suffering from this form of PCOS (Battaglia et al.).

Treatment options:

Licorice and peony are suggested as effective treatments for pill-induced PCOS and they can also help you ovulate. If you decide to use them you should work with a naturopathic doctor since licorice and peony are powerful herbs and they can have side effects. However, it should be noted that licorice is not suitable for patients suffering from high blood pressure.

Inflammatory PCOS

The process of inflammation plays a key role in the body to protect it from foreign particles and pathogens and even stress. However, chronic inflammation can harm normal body functions including ovulation, and lead to imbalanced hormones. Inflammation can also trigger the production of testosterone which can cause visible changes in the body (González).

How do you know you have inflammatory PCOS?

If you have extreme fatigue, infections, skin issues like eczema or psoriasis, joint pain, bowel difficulties, or chronic headaches this could indicate that you have inflammatory PCOS.

Treatment options:

To treat inflammation you should reduce stress, avoid toxins like BPA in plastic containers and water bottles, and eliminate inflammatory foods like dairy, wheat, and sugar. Try a magnesium supplement which has anti-inflammatory effects and a probiotic to help with gut issues.

Recovering from the body’s inflammatory response requires a lot of time so you will have to wait patiently while following a preventive routine (Repaci et al.).

Learn how to manage your PCOS on your own terms! All the resources you need to kick PCOS’ ass in one guide!!

Adrenal PCOS

Adrenal PCOS is one of the least common types of PCOS, accounting for only 10% of cases. Adrenal PCOS is when you have more adrenal androgens such as DHEAS or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Adrenal PCOS is usually caused by an abnormal response to stress.

How do you know you have adrenal PCOS?

If your symptoms don’t seem to fit any of the other types of PCOS than you most likely have adrenal PCOS.  You would have elevated DHEAS (but normal testosterone and androstenedione). 

Treatment options:

The best way to treat adrenal PCOS is to reduce stress. You can also try incorporating a magnesium supplement.

If PCOS is left untreated it can lead to complications. Understanding the types of PCOS and determining the kind you have will help you to implement a treatment that will produce results.

References

Battaglia, Cesare, et al. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk in Young Patients Treated with Drospirenone-Ethinylestradiol or Contraceptive Vaginal Ring. A Prospective, Randomized, Pilot Study.” Fertility and Sterility, vol. 94, no. 4, Elsevier, 2010, pp. 1417–25.

González, Frank. “Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Underpinning of Insulin Resistance and Ovarian Dysfunction.” Steroids, vol. 77, no. 4, Elsevier, 2012, pp. 300–05.

Repaci, Andrea, et al. “The Role of Low-Grade Inflammation in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, vol. 335, no. 1, Elsevier, 2011, pp. 30–41.

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