If you’re one of the many women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you may be wondering what type of PCOS you have. Understanding the various types of PCOS will be important to help guide your treatment for improved management of the condition.
In this article, we will explore the four types of PCOS including Insulin Resistant PCOS, Post-Pill PCOS, Adrenal PCOS, and Inflammatory PCOS. I will also provide lifestyle tips to help restore hormonal balance within your body.
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What Is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting 4%–20% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It is a complex condition that can potentially impact multiple body systems including your reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic systems.
If you have PCOS, your ovaries produce higher than normal levels of hormones called androgens, including testosterone and it's more potent counterpart dihydrotestosterone. When these delicate reproductive hormones are imbalanced, it can set the stage for various symptoms that affect the ovaries and ovulation.
As a result, PCOS is characterized by a combination of high levels of androgens (male hormones), enlarged ovaries with small cysts, and irregular or missed periods. Other signs and symptoms of PCOS may include:
Infertility
PCOS is the leading cause of infertility among women of reproductive age. Since PCOS affects ovulation, there’s a strong link between the condition and fertility issues.
Abnormal hair growth
Up to 80% of women with PCOS may experience hirsutism, the excessive growth of facial and body hair on women as the result of excess androgens in the body.
Weight gain
Having PCOS makes it difficult for your body to use the hormone insulin which is responsible for converting glucose (sugars) into energy. This condition is known as insulin resistance and can lead to elevated insulin levels, which promotes fat storage and inhibits the breakdown of stored fat. This can contribute to stubborn weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area.
Acne
The hormonal imbalances related to PCOS can trigger acne flares on the lower face, including the jawline, chin, and upper neck.
Hair loss
High levels of androgens may generate male pattern hair loss, which is thinning hair on the top of the head or hair recession.
What Causes PCOS?
While the exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, researchers believe it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For example, insulin resistance appears to play a role in the development of PCOS. Having an increase in insulin levels can trigger your ovaries to make increased levels of androgens which can impact ovulation and contribute to other symptoms of the condition.
Additionally, there appears to be a link between PCOS and inflammation. Studies show that women who have PCOS may develop low-grade chronic inflammation which can further increase the production of androgens.
Types of PCOS
There are 4 types of PCOS which include Insulin resistant, Post-pill, Adrenal, and Inflammatory. Knowing which type of PCOS you have is important because that information can help guide your treatment plan.
Insulin Resistant PCOS
Insulin resistant PCOS is the most common type of PCOS and is characterized by insulin resistance, a condition in which your body's cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin.
The hormone insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. In insulin resistant PCOS, your body produces insulin, however, the cells do not efficiently use it, leading to higher levels of insulin in the blood (hyperinsulinemia). Hyperinsulinemia can contribute to hormonal imbalances by stimulating the ovaries to produce excess androgens. This can disrupt the normal functioning of the ovaries leading to irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, and fertility issues.
If you have insulin resistant PCOS you may experience weight gain or have difficulty losing weight, especially in the abdominal area. You may also have higher levels of triglycerides and lower levels of HDL (good) cholesterol which could impact your cardiovascular health.
How to treat insulin resistant PCOS
The key to treating insulin resistant PCOS involves lifestyle changes that will help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin levels. These lifestyle changes may include:
- Eating a well-balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats with a focus on low-glycemic index foods rather than simple, more processed carbohydrates.
- Regular physical activity helps reduce insulin levels and balance hormones.
- Working with a healthcare professional who specializes in hormonal disorders to create a personalized supplement protocol aimed at balancing hormones.
Post-Pill PCOS
Post-pill PCOS, also known as post-contraceptive PCOS, is a specific type of PCOS that occurs after discontinuing the use of hormonal contraceptives like “the pill”. PCOS-like symptoms can emerge in some women after stopping the pill, as the body adjusts to the change in hormones.
Post-pill PCOS is characterized by irregular or absent periods, similar to traditional PCOS. Other symptoms may include hormonal imbalances, such as elevated androgen levels, acne, hirsutism, and difficulties with fertility. It is important to note that not all women who discontinue the pill will develop post-pill PCOS, and the duration of symptoms and severity of the condition can vary from person to person.
How to treat post-pill PCOS
Managing post-pill PCOS involves addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances and supporting the body's natural hormonal regulation. This can be accomplished by:
- Prioritizing sleep which can help balance your hormones while a lack of sleep may impede hormone balance by increasing stress hormones and insulin resistance.
- Engaging in regular exercise to reduce insulin and cortisol levels.
- Managing stress levels which will help support hormone balance.
Adrenal PCOS
Adrenal PCOS, also known as non-classic adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH), is a type of PCOS that is associated with adrenal gland dysfunction. Your adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, produce hormones such as cortisol and androgens. In adrenal PCOS, there is an overproduction of androgens, specifically from the adrenal glands, which contributes to the hormonal imbalances seen in PCOS.
Additionally, high levels of stress can trigger your adrenal glands to produce more cortisol which can result in increased androgen production.
How to treat adrenal PCOS
Lifestyle modifications play an important role in managing adrenal PCOS. Treating adrenal PCOS may involve:
- A variety of stress management techniques including meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation. These activities can help reduce stress levels and improve adrenal function.
- Engaging in regular low-impact physical activity like walking briskly and strength training. These activities can help enhance insulin sensitivity without placing further stress on your adrenals like high-impact exercise can.
- Getting plenty of sleep to help restore hormone balance.
Inflammatory PCOS
Inflammatory PCOS is a specific type of PCOS that is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation within the body. Inflammation is your body's response to injury or infection, but in the case of inflammatory PCOS, this immune response becomes persistent and dysregulated, leading to a state of chronic inflammation.
Chronic inflammation in inflammatory PCOS can disrupt normal ovarian function and hormone balance. It can lead to increased androgen production, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose metabolism. These factors all contribute to the classic symptoms of PCOS, including irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, and metabolic disturbances such as weight gain.
How to treat inflammatory PCOS
The treatment approach for inflammatory PCOS aims to reduce inflammation, improve hormone balance, and manage associated symptoms. Treating inflammatory PCOS may include:
- Implementing an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Engaging in some type of exercise like walking, cycling, or swimming, can help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote overall well-being.
- Stress management techniques in the form of meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can reduce inflammation and support overall hormonal balance.
The Bottom Line
Recognizing and understanding the four different types of PCOS can provide valuable insights into how to best manage the condition. If you have PCOS, it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable healthcare professional that can provide tailor-made treatment plan to address the root causes and manage symptoms effectively.
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References
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