Let’s clear up a major PCOS myth: Every woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) does NOT experience the same symptoms and setbacks.
PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder that affects hormone balance in 5-6 million women in the U.S. alone. And while irregular periods and ovulation are some of the most common symptoms, PCOS isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. There are actually four different types, each with unique root causes and symptoms. That’s why finding out which type of PCOS you have is SO important. It’s the key to finding relief and creating a treatment plan that actually works for you!
In this blog post, I’m breaking down the four types of PCOS, how to identify your type, and the best ways to naturally reverse symptoms let’s get into it!
PCOS Types: How to Identify Which Type You Have
PCOS is all about hormones, and when they’re out of whack, it can create a whole laundry list of symptoms that impact every nearly every system of your body. Think of hormones as the little helpers that keep everything running smoothly. But when there’s too much of one and not enough of another, it can leave you feeling, well, not yourself.
What’s even more interesting? Each type of PCOS messes with your hormones in its own way, meaning the effects on your body can vary widely. This also means you may not fall into just one “type” of PCOS, but understanding where you are on the spectrum of PCOS variations is a total game changer. With this powerful knowledge, you can find the right lifestyle changes and treatments to help you feel like you again.
How Many Types of PCOS Are There?
Did you know there are actually four different types of PCOS? Yep! Inflammatory PCOS, Insulin Resistant PCOS, Adrenal PCOS, and Thyroid PCOS—each one is defined by which hormones are out of balance, their root causes, and the symptoms they trigger.
You’ll likely fall into one primary PCOS type, but don’t be surprised if you feel like you fit into multiple categories. This is a complex disorder! But, knowing your PCOS type (or types) will be one of the most productive steps you take on your natural healing journey. When you understand what needs work, you can get to the root issues and reverse your symptoms.
What are the Different PCOS?
Inflammatory PCOS
This type of PCOS is driven by chronic, low-grade inflammation, which can lead to gut issues like bloating or IBS, constant fatigue, joint pain, weight loss issues, and even skin conditions. Inflammation is what your body is supposed to do in response to an injury, infection, or other threat. But, when you have chronic inflammation, your body stays inflamed and your immune system attacks healthy cells.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, chronic inflammation due to PCOS can cause reactive hypoglycemia. This is why, after eating, your blood sugar levels drop because of an overproduction of insulin. So, post meal, you may experience irritability, anxiety, or brain fog. Not fun!
So, how do you combat Inflammatory PCOS? An anti-inflammatory gluten- and dairy-free diet is one of the best things you can do to reverse this condition! Load up on berries, leafy greens, fatty fish, and fermented foods like kimchi or kefir to calm inflammation from the inside out.
Additionally, herbs like turmeric, ginger, and spearmint are also amazing for fighting inflammation and balancing hormones naturally. Lastly, there are several supplements that have been proven to lower inflammation and help with other symptoms of PCOS, too! Here are some to add to your routine:
You can find most of these in the Metabolism Plus Bundle from Ovafit!
Insulin Resistant PCOS
Insulin Resistant PCOS is the most common type of PCOS, affecting up to 80% of women diagnosed with the condition. If you have insulin resistance, your body struggles to process glucose efficiently. Instead of converting it into energy, your body holds onto it in the bloodstream, which leads to excess insulin levels and—frustratingly—fat storage, especially around the belly.
This imbalance can cause a cascade of symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, sugar cravings, energy crashes, dark patches of skin around the neck and underarms, irregular menstrual cycles, and high blood pressure. Left unmanaged, insulin resistance can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes down the road.
The good news? You can take action to support your insulin levels and improve your symptoms. One of the best ways to combat insulin-resistant PCOS is following that gluten- and dairy-free anti-inflammatory diet I mentioned earlier. But, definitely prioritize lean proteins, fiber-rich foods, and healthy fats when targeting insulin resistance. You can check out my PCOS grocery list for some food and meal ideas!
Additionally, low-impact, slow-weighted workouts like strength training, pilates, walking, cycling, or swimming can work wonders for improving metabolism and stabilizing blood sugar. Download The Cysterhood app for exercise routines specifically curated for women with PCOS!
Adrenal PCOS
The adrenal system produces hormones essential for regulating body functions. When one hormone is imbalanced, it can send the whole system into chaos. Remember, PCOS is primarily a hormone disorder, so it’s no surprise that Adrenal PCOS is one of the most common PCOS types.
It usually starts with elevated cortisol levels. When we’re stressed (whether physical, emotional, or inflammatory), our bodies produce cortisol as part of its fight-or-flight response. Eventually, our adrenal glands can no longer keep up with the demand for cortisol, leading to “adrenal fatigue.” This leads to weight gain, excessive daytime sleepiness, mood swings, and more.
Those high cortisol levels then domino into other hormonal imbalances that affect other parts of the body . . . leading to a collection of unpleasant symptoms and can significantly reduce your quality of life. Plus, high cortisol can come with elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) too! But, you can turn this around by taking steps to reduce stress—get plenty of sleep, try meditation, cut caffeine, and practice self-care! For more ideas, check out my High Cortisol Survival Kit!
You can also take supplements that improve hormonal balance! Inositol Complete 40:1 is one of the best for regulating hormones, and the collection of vitamins in the Metabolism Plus bundle also have plenty of hormone-balancing power!
Thyroid PCOS
Thyroid problems and PCOS often go hand-in-hand. Doctors aren’t sure of the connection, but hypothyroidism is often diagnosed along with PCOS. Hypothyroidism (AKA underactive thyroid) is when your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to more hormonal imbalances and plenty of difficult symptoms.
What other hormones play into hypothyroidism? Cortisol. Estrogen. Progesterone. Testosterone. Insulin. All those are significant in PCOS as well. This shows that one condition may trigger the other, or the two conditions may just exacerbate each other. Either way, Thyroid PCOS type is a real thing!
Each disorder has their own set of symptoms, but if you have both conditions, symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, depression, and irregular periods will likely be the most pronounced. You may also experience cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, and memory issues. For a natural treatment plan, check out this post on PCOS and hypothyroidism.
What about Post-Pill PCOS?
There’s a lot of conjecture in the medical community about whether birth control pills can cause PCOS. The truth is, it looks like that’s a real possibility! However, it’s not proven and it would probably fall under the category of “Adrenal PCOS.” Here’s more on pill-induced PCOS.
How to Determine Your PCOS Type
Consider your symptoms.
Try keeping a journal for a week or two to track your symptoms and how you’re feeling each day. Since each type of PCOS comes with its own unique set of symptoms, this can help you start identifying patterns and clues about what’s going on in your body. Noticing persistent fatigue? Struggling with stubborn weight gain? Dealing with breakouts or excess hair growth?
Writing it all down can give you a clearer picture of which type of PCOS you might have and help you take the next steps toward managing your symptoms.
Take the quiz.
Once you know your symptoms, take my quiz! It’s called “What’s My PCOS Type?” It’s a short test that’ll help give you an idea of what your PCOS type may be. From there, you can download The Cysterhood app and start taking steps to reverse your symptoms!
Get lab work done.
A blood test can be one of the best ways to officially determine your PCOS type. The hormones that are out of balance will usually tell you exactly where your symptoms are coming from. The problem? Many standard blood tests you get from your doctor, like the hemoglobin A1C tests, are not always sensitive enough to pick up on PCOS-related hormonal imbalances.
Because of this, I recommend you get a comprehensive screening from EquiLife or other similar company! This special PCOS lab test kit will tell you all the relevant hormone imbalances that contribute to your symptoms and inform your PCOS type! Here’s everything that’s measured and what PCOS type it may suggest:
- TSH – Thyroid PCOS
- T3 & T4 – Thyroid PCOS
- Estrogen – Inflammatory PCOS or Insulin Resistant PCOS
- Progesterone – Adrenal PCOS or Inflammatory PCOS
- Testosterone – Insulin Resistant PCOS or Adrenal PCOS
- DHEA – Adrenal PCOS
- Vitamin D2 & D3 – Inflammatory PCOS or Insulin Resistant PCOS
- Insulin – Insulin Resistant PCOS
- HbAlc – Insulin Resistant PCOS
- Cortisol – Inflammatory PCOS or Adrenal PCOS
Learn to manage your PCOS symptoms naturally with lifestyle changes and supplements.
Managing PCOS symptoms doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, especially when you have the right tools and support! With a few PCOS-friendly lifestyle changes, like a balanced diet, regular movement, and stress management, you can take control of your health and start feeling your best. The key is to work with your body, not against it!
If you’re looking for an extra boost, Ovafit’s NSF-certified and science-backed supplements are designed specifically for women with PCOS. Inositol Complete 40:1 is my go-to for supporting hormone balance, insulin sensitivity, and overall well-being. And if weight management is part of your PCOS journey, the Metabolism Plus Bundle is packed with powerhouse nutrients to help fight inflammation, regulate metabolism, and finally tackle stubborn PCOS weight gain.
Ready to start making real progress? You’ve got this, and Ovafit is here to help every step of the way!