PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a hormonal imbalance that can result in cysts on the ovaries and a variety of other symptoms including irregular cycles, weight gain, acne, and facial hair.<\/p>\n
It’s important to know that it comes in several forms. Knowing which type you have is key to knowing the right treatment protocol for you. Every type of PCOS is given the same name, even though the root causes are actually quite different. Often in mainstream medicine, every type of PCOS is managed with the same suggested treatment\u2014even though these treatments only work for some women, some of the time.<\/p>\n
Different types of PCOS all have different symptoms; not all women with PCOS are overweight, or have acne, or have excess hair growth<\/a>. This confusion can delay diagnosis and therefore delay proper treatment and support.<\/p>\n\n This is the most common PCOS type. High insulin levels stop ovulation in its tracks, causing irregular cycles and symptoms. Diet spurs insulin resistance. The symptoms are weight gain, acne, hirsutism, mood swings, and lack of periods. Women with this kind of PCOS are usually considered borderline diabetic.<\/p>\n\n There are multiple influences that can cause suppressed ovulation and irregular cycles. It could be an over-reliance on artificial sweeteners<\/a> (I\u2019m talking too much Diet Coke or Stevia-based products). Or it could be due to poor diet, especially if you\u2019re eating very little, only vegan, only raw, or no carbs whatsoever. The lack of ovulation will cause symptoms, but it won\u2019t necessarily look or feel the same as the insulin-resistant type.<\/p>\n\n A post shared by Founded By Alisa Vitti (@floliving)<\/a> on The Three Types of PCOS<\/h2>\n
Insulin-Resistant<\/h3>\n
Inflammation-Based<\/h3>\nThis kind of PCOS can affect women who are at a normal weight or are even underweight. They may not feel they have any of the classic symptoms of PCOS. The inflammatory response that stops ovulation and causes irregular cycles comes from the body\u2019s response to foods like gluten<\/a>, dairy<\/a>, sugar, or soy. It may also come from overexposure to endocrine-disruptive chemicals like chemical lawn spray or dry-cleaning chemical.\n
Synthetic Hormone-Induced<\/h3>\nThis type is common for women who have been on the pill or other hormonal birth control<\/a> for a long time. They’ll come off and see their periods don’t return. The synthetic hormones shut down communication between the pituitary gland and the ovaries in order to prevent pregnancy. Often, it can be challenging to bring back online.\n\nIt’s possible to have a combination of these types of PCOS, as I did, or for the root cause to change and develop over time.\n
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