DIFFERENT TYPES OF PCOS, WHICH IS YOURS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common dysfunctions in women of childbearing age. In Spain it is estimated that it affects between 6 and 21% of the female population .

A dysfunction is not a disease. A dysfunction is “something that does not work
correctly” and, as such, we can intervene to correct it.

For there to be a diagnosis of PCOS, these 3 criteria must be met:

1. Clinical hyperandrogenism (acne, appearance of body hair or excessive hair loss
hair) and/or biochemical (elevated androgenic hormones in analysis).
2. Ovarian dysfunction, which can manifest as oilgomenorrhea (short cycles).
frequent periods of more than 45 days), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation
less for 3 months) and/or presence of cysts in the ovaries.
3. Exclusion of other disorders derived from excess androgens and
ovulation disorders (to be ruled out with the doctor if there is suspicion).
There are mainly 4 types of PCOS, the most common being the first of which
We are going to talk, and each of them requires a therapeutic strategy
individualized.

TYPES OF PCOS

1) PCOS with insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is a condition at the metabolic level in which there is a
excess insulin but the body cannot manage it correctly. To use a metaphor, it is as if insulin knocks on the door of the cells but they have generated resistance and do not let it enter.
This situation is more common in people who are overweight and/or sedentary and/or with a diet excessively high in refined carbohydrates and/or with a family history of type II diabetes.
Insulin acts synergistically with luteinizing hormone (LH) increasing the production of androgens in the theca cell. In addition, insulin inhibits sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), so that more androgens remain in free form.

Therefore, correcting this metabolic imbalance through an adequate diet adapted to the person, as well as the implementation of physical exercise and the regulation of biorhythms, will be the main strategy to follow.

2) Post-pill PCOS

This would actually be false PCOS (unless the person is taking the
pill because I already had PCOS). Here we are referring to the increase in androgens that occurs as a rebound when stopping the pill and would occur mainly when we talk about the combined pill with estrogen + antiandrogen progestin.
Usually it tends to resolve itself over time, but it can happen.
several years, which is exasperating. There are therapeutic strategies that can be implemented to help the body return to its point of hormonal balance as soon as possible.

3) Inflammatory PCOS
In low-grade chronic inflammation, a series of chemical messengers called cytokines are generated that promote insulin resistance, but by a different mechanism than that mentioned in point 1. This insulin resistance is more subtle and may not appear in the analytics.
On the other hand, it is known that the ovarian steroidogenic enzyme responsible for
Androgen production is regulated by proinflammatory stimuli and inhibited by anti-inflammatory agents (study).
Here the strategy is, on the one hand, to follow an anti-inflammatory nutritional guideline and, on the other, to address and resolve those other factors that may be perpetuating said chronic inflammation, such as digestive problems or food sensitivities, among others.

4) Adrenal PCOS

It is the least common and the most difficult to address. It does not respond to insulin resistance or an inflammatory state, but rather there is a certain genetic tendency that will manifest or not depending on epigenetic mechanisms (environment and lifestyle).
Women with adrenal PCOS show an increase in DHEA in blood tests but not in other androgens.

Here the strategy will have more to do with regulating stress through physical exercise adapted to the person, getting a good rest, regulation of biorhythms, psychological therapy to learn to manage stress and, if necessary, it can be supported with adaptogenic plants.
As you can see, not all SOPs are the same and, therefore, neither are the guidelines to follow. It's normal to have doubts! In our team we can advise you and accompany you in the process.

If you need nutritional support, you can check out our available plans here .