What are The Different Types of PCOS in Females

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder causing irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and infertility. There are different types of PCOS in females—insulin-resistant, post-pill, inflammatory, and adrenal. Each type needs specific treatment through diet, supplements, or lifestyle changes. With timely care, PCOS can be managed effectively for better reproductive and overall health.

PCOS stands for Polycystic ovary syndrome, it is a hormonal disease that enlarges ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. It happens in women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS might have infrequent or extended menstrual periods or excess androgen levels. The reason behind PCOS is not certain, but it might involve an aggregation of genetic and environmental factors. There are four types of PCOS: Insulin resistant PCOS, Post-pill PCOS, Adrenal PCOS, Inflammatory PCOS. One must know what kind of PCOS she has so that it can be treated on time. In this blog, we will learn about different types of PCOS in females.

What Do You Mean by PCOS?

PCOS is an abbreviation for Polycystic ovary syndrome. In this condition, ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to release eggs regularly. The doctors do not precisely know why females go through this, but it seems to be related to an imbalance in women’s hormones. Research suggests that you could have PCOS if the body has insulin resistance, meaning the cell could not use the insulin properly. When cells can not use insulin properly, the body demands more insulin, the pancreas makes more insulin to compensate, and excess insulin signals the ovaries to release extra male hormones.

PCOS could also be hereditary, so if someone in your family has it, you might develop it. Body overweight can also result in PCOS. Studies have linked excess inflammation to higher androgen levels. If you have any of the following symptoms, then the chances are you have PCOS and should consult the doctor for treatment.

• Irregular Periods: Irregular or prolonged periods are the most common signs of PCOS. For example, you might have less than nine periods in a year, and the gap between the periods is more than 35 days, and you can also have heavy blood flow. 
• Excess Hair Growth: The presence of excess androgen is also a sign of PCOS. Due to excessive androgen, women grow hair on their face, back, belly, and chest.
• Acne: Women with PCOS might also see too much acne breakout because the excess release of androgens makes skin oilier.
• Weight Gain: Around 80% of women with PCOS are overweight.
• Male Pattern Baldness: Women with PCOS may experience thinning and falling out of hair because of extra male hormones.
• Darkening Of The Skin: Dark skin patches on the body creases like the neck, under the breasts, etc., could also be a symptom of PCOS. 
• Polycystic ovaries: In this, the ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs, which might lead to dysfunction of the ovaries.

The Most Common Types of PCOS in Females

There are four types of PCOS in females that is most common among women:

1. Insulin-resistant PCOS: It is the most found PCOS among women. This kind of PCOS results from a high level of insulin in the body, which can also be referred to as pre-diabetes. It occurs when the cells of the body do not respond well to insulin, which increases blood sugar levels and forces your pancreas to pump out even more insulin. Excess circulation of insulin increases the production of androgens which leads to further symptoms and problems mentioned above. Smoking, sugar, pollution, and trans fat can cause this type of PCOS.
2. Post-pill PCOS: This type of PCOS is triggered when a woman gets off a contraception pill that stops ovulation. Post-pill PCOS are temporary and activated because of the surge of androgens produced as the ovaries kick into gear again. 
3. Inflammatory PCOS: This kind of PCOS prevents ovulation, imbalances hormones, and produces androgens due to inflammation. High-level inflammation arising from an overactive immune system can stimulate the ovaries to make too many androgen hormones, interfering with ovulation and leading to irregular periods.
4. Adrenal PCOS: This kind of PCOS occurs because of stress. Women with adrenal PCOS are experiencing high levels of stress, and their bodies are not reacting well to the stress. They will have high levels of DHEAS (an androgen produced in the adrenal glands) and normal levels of other androgens produced in the ovaries, such as testosterone and androstenedione.

How Can PCOS Be Cured?

If you have PCOS, then do not worry. You can treat them and get a life free from PCOS.

To Treat Insulin-resistant PCOS:

• Eat a low-carb diet that is rich in healthy fats and quality proteins to help manage insulin levels.
• Do low-intensity exercise or resistance training daily to improve insulin sensitivity.
• Take Supplements with nutrients that help to support insulin sensitivity, such as magnesium, inositol, and NAC, under the guidance of a trusted health professional.

To Treat Post-pill PCOS:

• Take supplements which include forms of zinc and vitamin B6. These nutrients nourish the ovaries and support ovulation. Zinc prevents bacteria from growing on the skin and also helps to calm inflammation. 
• Manage the stress levels by reducing stressors such as caffeine, alcohol, and intense exercise.
• Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale which contain a potent phytonutrient called DIM. These vegetables support estrogen detoxification and help balance androgens.
• Post-pill PCOS are temporary, so there is no need to worry. Once your ovaries and hormones find their regular rhythm again, your androgens will most likely fall back to normal levels.

To Treat Inflammatory PCOS:

• Classify and exclude the foods your body can not tolerate or is sensitive to, and the most common products are gluten and dairy.
• Reducing exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, plastics, conventional skincare, beauty, and household cleaning products could be helpful.
• Take care of your stomach by consuming zinc, collagen, l-glutamine, and probiotic-rich foods.
• Take supplements with magnesium to support sleep and help to calm your nervous system.

To Treat Adrenal PCOS:

• Take enough sleep and aim for a minimum of 8 hours per night to help your body heal and reset stress hormone production.
• Take the supplements with magnesium to nourish your nervous system and support mind and body relaxation.
• Give adaptogenic herbs a try, such as Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Schisandra. These herbs help the body to adapt and respond better to stress.
• Consult the doctor for medications. Pills can help you reduce your stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

Nowadays, PCOS is a common hormonal disorder found among women. But there are treatments available to get rid of them. At Aastha Fertility Center, females can find out different types of PCOS in Females and which PCOS might be affecting you. Our Dr Namita(MBBS, MS – Obstetrics & Gynaecology) will help you about your PCOS problems and their solutions with the help of accurate tests and the latest treatments. Aastha Fertility Clinic provides the best treatment in India and can help you lead a life PCOS-free.

FAQS about Types of PCOS in Females