Understanding the Four Types of PCOS
Understanding your PCOS type can be the determinant in your symptom resolution!
There are four main types of PCOS:
-Insulin Resistant- this is the most common type of PCOS and is cause by smoking, excess sugar intake, pollution, or trans fats. In this scenario, the high levels of insulin prevent ovulation from occurring and triggers the ovaries to create more testosterone. For this, managing glucose with diet, proper movement, and supplements like Ovasitol are key in treating symptoms, regaining regular ovulation, and increasing chances of conceiving.
-Pill Induced- this is the next most common type, and is developed due to the use of birth control pills which prevent ovulation. For most women, this type of PcOs is short-lived, but for some it can take some women months or even years post-pill before normal ovulation resumes. A series of acupuncture sessions, and supplements like chaste berry can assist getting the body back on track.
-Inflammatory- when there is high inflammation due to stress, toxins and environment, and an inflammatory diet, hormones become imbalanced and androgens are produced. If you are deficient in vitamin D, your blood count is not normal, or your thyroid levels are off, then you might have inflammatory PCOS. Supplementing with Vitamin D3 and adding anti-inflammatory supplements like curcumin alongside an anti -inflammatory lifestyle are essential here.
-Adrenal- up to 10% of PCOS cases are adrenal type. It is sometimes the most difficult to treat, and starts simply from stress! High stress causes an increase in DHEA only, and not other types of androgens such as testosterone. If you have this type of PcOS, supporting your adrenals and getting on a regimen for stress support is key to your success.
There are some other hidden causes of PCOS such as hidden thyroid disease, iodine deficiency, vegetarian diet, or artificial sweeteners! If you’re curious which type of PCOS you have, make an appointment for testing and analysis so we can get you on a regimen that is tailored to your needs.
