Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects many women, leading to a variety of health issues, including hormonal imbalances, problems with metabolism, and trouble with getting pregnant. But did you know that not all PCOS is the same? There are different types of PCOS, and understanding which type you have can help you find the right treatment. This guide will help you learn about the different types of PCOS and how you can manage them.
PCOS is diagnosed using something called the Rotterdam criteria, which looks for three main signs:
- Irregular or missed periods (oligo- or anovulation)
- High levels of male hormones, which might cause symptoms like acne or excess hair growth (hyperandrogenism)
- Ovaries with lots of small cysts (polycystic ovaries)
The Four Types of PCOS
Depending on which of these signs you have, PCOS can be grouped into four different types:
- Type A: You may call this “classic PCOS“. You have all three signs—irregular periods, high male hormones, and polycystic ovaries.
- Type B: You have high male hormones and irregular periods, but not polycystic ovaries.
- Type C: You may call this “ovulatory PCOS“. You have high male hormones and polycystic ovaries but regular periods. Type A, B and C all have hyperandrogenism (high male hormones) as a constant feature.
- Type D (Non-Hyperandrogenic PCOS): You have polycystic ovaries and irregular periods but not high male hormones.
Knowing your PCOS type is important because the best treatment for you depends on which type you have.
Tailoring Treatment to Your PCOS Type
1. Type A:
This type, which we can also call “classic” or “full blown” PCOS, includes all the common symptoms of PCOS: irregular periods, high male hormones, and polycystic ovaries. Women with this type often struggle with weight gain and insulin resistance, which is when your body has trouble using insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
How to Treat Type A PCOS
- Making Insulin work better: Medications like myo-inositol (Gynoessence) or metformin can help your body use insulin better, lower male hormone levels, and improve your menstrual cycle.
- Anti-androgens: These medications reduce the effects of male hormones, helping with symptoms like acne and excess hair growth.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help with weight management and improve your symptoms.
2. Type B:
This type is similar to Type A PCOS but without polycystic ovaries. The focus here is on managing high male hormone levels and irregular periods.
How to Treat Type B PCOS
- Similar to Type A PCOS: Treatments like myo-inositol (Gynoessence), metformin, and anti-androgens can help manage symptoms.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active are also important.
3. Type C:
We may call this type “ovulatory” PCOS. Because women with this type have high male hormone levels and polycystic ovaries, but they still ovulate regularly, so they may not have trouble getting pregnant.
How to Treat Type C PCOS
- Focus on Skin and Hair: Since this type doesn’t usually cause fertility issues, treatments often focus on managing acne, excess hair, and other symptoms caused by high male hormones.
- Healthy Diet and Exercise: Even if you ovulate regularly, keeping a healthy weight and lifestyle is beneficial.
4. Non-Hyperandrogenic PCOS (Type D):
This type of PCOS is a bit different because it doesn’t involve high male hormones. Women with this type have irregular periods and polycystic ovaries but may not have the same issues with weight or insulin resistance.
How to Treat Non-Hyperandrogenic PCOS (Type D)
- Ovulation Induction: If you’re trying to get pregnant, medications like clomiphene or letrozole can help you ovulate.
- Myo-Inositol: This supplement might still help with regulating periods and improving your chances of ovulation.
Understanding Myo-Inositol’s Role
Myo-inositol is a natural substance found in fruits and vegetables that can help your body use insulin better. It’s especially helpful for women with types A, B, and C PCOS, where insulin resistance is often an issue. It is also slightly beneficial for those with type D PCOS, who don’t have high male hormone levels, but not as much as the other types.
According to research, the following are the major things that Myo-inositol (Gynoessence) does for your PCOS.
- Myo-Inositol treatment helps your body to use insulin better (reduced insulin resistance), which is important for managing blood sugar. It also increases levels of a protein (SHBG) that binds to excess hormones, reducing the amount of free testosterone. As a result, testosterone levels will decrease. This means better blood sugar control and lower testosterone levels. What this does eventually, is that if you are experiencing facial hair, baldness, or acne because of PCOS, myo-inositol will most likely improve these symptoms.
- Myo-inositol treatment significantly increases the thickness of the lining of the uterus. This is important because a healthy uterine lining can improve fertility and overall reproductive health for women with this condition.
- This action of Myo-inositol also ensures that there is proper development and maturation of eggs in the ovaries. Myo-Inositol can enhance the ovulation process by regulating hormone levels, improving egg quality, and supporting the development of follicles, which are essential for ovulation. Thus if you have irregular cycles and are unable to conceive because of PCOS, myo-inositol will most likely improve that.
Key Points to Remember
- Know Your PCOS Type: Understanding which type of PCOS you have can help you and your doctor choose the best treatment.
- Tailored Treatment: Different types of PCOS need different treatments. What works for one person may not work for another.
- Myo-Inositol: This supplement can be a great help for many women with PCOS, especially those with insulin resistance.
PCOS is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Knowing your specific type of PCOS can guide you to the most effective treatment plan. Whether it’s managing insulin resistance, reducing male hormones, or helping with ovulation, there’s a tailored approach that can work for you. By understanding your PCOS type, you can take better control of your health and well-being.
This guide aims to help you address the complexities of PCOS and find the right treatment for your specific needs. If you suspect you have PCOS or have already been diagnosed, talk to your healthcare provider about which type you have and the best way to manage it.
