#72 - NOURISH YOUR FLOURISH NUGGET | What Type of PCOS Do YOU Have?

You may have heard that there are several types of PCOS. There are also several categorization systems for polycystic ovary syndrome. More importantly, you may also be wondering how to find out what type of PCOS you have.
According to conventional medicine, there are 4 main types of PCOS:

1. Type A - High androgens (plus symptoms), irregular periods/irregular ovulation (or no periods), and polycystic ovaries
2. Type B - High androgens (plus symptoms), irregular periods/irregular ovulation (or no periods), and normal ovaries
3. Type C - High androgens (plus symptoms), regular periods/regular ovulation (</= 35 days), and polycystic ovaries
4. Type D - Normal androgens, irregular periods/irregular ovulation (or no periods), and polycystic ovaries

Type A is considered the most severe and is the most typical presentation while Type D is considered the mildest form. It IS possible to move from one category to another with treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes.
In our practice, we also utilize this type of categorization:

1. Insulin Resistant PCOS – dominated by symptoms like high blood sugar, darkened skin around the neck and armpits, carb & sugar cravings, and weight gain.
2. Inflammatory PCOS – dominated by symptoms of chronic inflammation like acne and skin rashes, fatigue, joint pain, gut issues, and weight gain.
3. Adrenal PCOS – where the primary androgen that is high is DHEA, which is made primarily by the adrenal glands (in contrast to testosterone, which is made primarily by the ovaries)
4. Post-Pill PCOS – seen in women who had normal periods before being on the pill, but experience PCOS symptoms after coming off the pill

We rarely classify PCOS by any of these types because very few people fit neatly into just one of these subtypes. More often than not, we see a combination as people with PCOS can have several of these types of PCOS at once.
Ways to Address PCOS:

• Address inflammation
• Treat insulin resistance
• Balance adrenals
• Treat excess androgens
• Address hormonal imbalances
• Balance thyroid
• Create a healthy environment
• Eat a balanced diet

Each person with PCOS is different! Focusing on the factors which are strongest in your case (moderate and especially severe) will give you the best results in terms of your health, wellness, reversal of PCOS, and ultimately your healing.