To effectively treat PCOS and address its symptoms naturally, it’s crucial to identify the specific type of PCOS you are dealing with. There are four commonly recognized types of PCOS:
- Insulin-Resistant PCOS: This is the most prevalent type, affecting around 70% of individuals with PCOS. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher insulin levels in the body. Symptoms of insulin-resistant PCOS may include weight struggles, particularly with excess weight around the abdomen, sugar cravings, fatigue, and brain fog. Elevated insulin levels can stimulate increased androgen production, resulting in symptoms such as excess hair growth, male-pattern hair loss, and acne. To diagnose insulin resistance, it’s important to have your fasting insulin levels tested. Normal fasting insulin levels should be less than 10 mIU/L (60 pmol/L). Treating insulin-resistant PCOS involves improving insulin sensitivity through regular exercise, a low-sugar and balanced diet, sufficient sleep, stress management, and targeted supplementation of key nutrients.
- Adrenal PCOS: This type of PCOS arises from an abnormal stress response and affects approximately 10% of those diagnosed. Adrenal PCOS is characterized by elevated levels of DHEA-S, a type of androgen produced by the adrenal glands, while levels of testosterone and androstenedione remain within normal range. Testing for this specific androgen may require consultation with an endocrinologist or other specialist. Managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, avoiding high-intensity exercise, limiting caffeine intake, and incorporating herbs and supplements under the guidance of a practitioner are essential for treating adrenal PCOS.
- Inflammatory PCOS: Inflammatory PCOS occurs when chronic inflammation triggers excess testosterone production by the ovaries, leading to physical symptoms and ovulation issues. Signs of inflammation in this type of PCOS may include headaches, joint pain, unexplained fatigue, skin issues like eczema, and bowel problems such as IBS. Blood tests may reveal elevated inflammatory markers, such as high CRP (C-reactive protein) levels above 5. Addressing gut health by repairing leaky gut tissue, balancing gut bacteria, and eliminating pathogenic bacteria is crucial for reducing overall inflammation. Identifying and eliminating potential food triggers and incorporating natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids can also aid in managing inflammatory PCOS.
- Post-Pill PCOS: This type of PCOS can occur in some individuals after discontinuing the use of oral contraceptive pills. Symptoms like acne, irregular periods, and excess hair growth were not present before starting the pill. Post-pill PCOS is often associated with specific types of synthetic progestins used in certain oral contraceptives. When coming off the pill, the ovaries undergo a surge in androgen production, leading to typical PCOS symptoms. Unlike other types of PCOS, insulin resistance is not present in post-pill PCOS. Patience is key when addressing post-pill PCOS, as it may take time to resolve naturally. However, proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplementation or herbal medicine support can expedite the healing process.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare practitioner or nutritionist who specializes in PCOS to accurately determine the type of PCOS you have and develop a personalized treatment plan. They can guide you in choosing the appropriate supplements, herbs, and dosages, as well as provide recommendations for nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and addressing underlying hormonal imbalances and inflammation.
