From irregular periods to difficulty getting pregnant, the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be immensely challenging. What’s more frustrating is that this complex hormonal condition isn’t a one-size-fits-all illness; its causes, symptoms, and implications vary from one person to the next.
While there’s still more to learn about PCOS, women’s health professionals have generally seen four distinct types emerge, allowing us to better tailor our treatment plans. Here’s a closer look into these common variations.
First: What Is PCOS?
PCOS is the most common endocrine-metabolic disorder in people with ovaries of reproductive age. In other words, it affects your hormones and may also impact other systems in your body if left untreated.
With this condition, your body doesn’t produce the sufficient hormones you need to ovulate, leaving follicles that do not mature enough to produce an egg to collect in your ovaries. This buildup can interfere with your menstrual cycle and be responsible for many of the symptoms of PCOS, including irregular periods, acne, increased androgen (“male” sex hormone) levels, and infertility.
Four Common Types of PCOS
1. Insulin-Resistant PCOS
This type of PCOS occurs when the cells in your body don’t respond to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose). The relationship between PCOS and insulin resistance is complex: while insulin resistance can contribute to the development and progression of PCOS, it’s also possible for PCOS to alter the way your body responds to insulin, leading to insulin resistance. Higher insulin levels may contribute to the inflammatory factors that lead to PCOS, but researchers are still investigating the exact correlation.
With this condition, you may notice the traditional symptoms of PCOS, along with signs of insulin resistance such as sugar cravings, weight changes, and fatigue after meals. If you have PCOS and insulin resistance is identified through blood work, treatments may involve lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, as well as medications to regulate your insulin levels if needed.
2. Inflammatory PCOS
With inflammatory PCOS, chronic, low-grade inflammation appears to potentially trigger increased androgen production. Inflammatory PCOS is usually diagnosed by the presence of inflammatory markers in your blood, coupled with symptoms such as weight gain, ovarian cysts, acne, thinning hair, and irregular periods. Frustratingly, inflammation can stem from many sources, which can make it challenging to identify the root issue. While chronic inflammation may have a clear cause, such as an autoimmune condition, in other cases, contributing factors may be less obvious and could include oxidative stress, obesity, or psychological stress.
3. Post-Pill PCOS
While birth control pills and other hormonal birth control methods don’t directly cause PCOS, it is possible to temporarily experience PCOS-like symptoms after you stop taking these contraceptives. This phenomenon has been dubbed “post-pill PCOS,” and occurs because hormonal contraceptives naturally reduce androgens in your body. When you stop taking them, androgens may spike in response, but the symptoms associated with this change are often temporary and won’t call for medical intervention.
4. Adrenal PCOS
Researchers are also investigating adrenal disorder as a potential culprit behind PCOS, as the two conditions often overlap. In one 2016 study, 15 out of 38 women with PCOS were also found to have unusually small adrenal glands which produced an excess of hormones, potentially due to nodules that interfere with the glands’ function. In women with adrenal disorders who also have PCOS, a treatment that modifies adrenal hormones could alleviate PCOS symptoms.
Experiencing PCOS Concerns? Schedule an Appointment With Rosa Gynecology
If you’re experiencing any hormonal changes, or symptoms which may indicate PCOS, let’s get to the bottom of them together. Our providers specialize in preventative gynecology including wellness exams, screenings, and diagnostic services to help you manage your reproductive health. Request an appointment using our scheduling tool online or by calling 770-487-9604.
