PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. However, it’s not just about having multiple cysts on our ovaries, as the term might suggest. PCOS is really just an umbrella term for a collection of certain symptoms that are associated with a specific hormonal imbalance resulting from a metabolic issue.
Every woman experiences PCOS differently based on the type of PCOS they have and the severity of it. What our friends with PCOS experience may not be the same thing we experience.
There are four types of PCOS including insulin-resistant PCOS, inflammatory PCOS, pill-induced PCOS, and adrenal PCOS.
Insulin-resistant PCOS
Insulin resistance is when high levels of insulin prevent ovulation and activate the ovaries to produce testosterone. Insulin resistance is thought to be caused by the intake of excess sugar, smoking, environmental toxins, and eating trans-fats.
Pill-induced PCOS
Birth control pills are used to suppress ovulation. Once we stop taking the pill, our ovaries should begin to work again, and we should get a monthly period and resume ovulation. However, some women may not recover from the effects of the pill for a longer time (months or years) and continue to experience suppressed ovulation. This is considered pill-induced PCOS.
Inflammatory PCOS
The process of inflammation plays a key role in our body to protect it from foreign particles and pathogens and even stress. However, chronic inflammation can harm normal body functions including ovulation, and lead to imbalanced hormones. Inflammation can also trigger the production of testosterone which can cause visible changes in our body.
Adrenal PCOS
This type of PCOS may be caused when we produce excess adrenal hormones and is generally due to an abnormal stress response. Typically DHEA-S (another type of androgen from the adrenal glands) will be elevated alone, and high levels of testosterone and androstenedione are not seen.
Although we may be showing signs of PCOS, and it may be the culprit, it is important to know there are also other hormonal imbalances that may be contributing.
Healing PCOS naturally is an option - it doesn’t have to be intimidating, if you are ready to take charge of your own health.
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