PCOS Unlocked: Understanding the 4 Types & How to Take Back Control Naturally

PCOS: Understanding the Different Types and How to Manage Symptoms Naturally Through Lifestyle and Root-Cause Testing

What Is PCOS? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone conditions in women of reproductive age. It affects how your ovaries work and can cause a wide range of symptoms—from irregular periods to acne and trouble getting pregnant.

You don’t need to have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS. In fact, there are four different types—and knowing your type helps you find the best treatment for you.

👩‍⚕️ The 4 Types of PCOS

According to functional medicine experts, PCOS isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are the four main types:

1. Insulin-Resistant PCOS

   • Most common type

   • Caused by the body not using insulin well (insulin resistance)

   • Often linked to sugar cravings, belly fat, fatigue, and high blood sugar

   • Key clue: High fasting insulin or blood sugar

2. Post-Pill PCOS

   • Happens after stopping birth control pills (especially ones that suppress testosterone)

   • Periods may take a long time to return, and acne or hair growth may get worse

   • Usually temporary, but symptoms can mimic classic PCOS

   • Key clue: History of regular periods before the pill

3. Inflammatory PCOS

   • Caused by chronic inflammation in the body

   • May involve food sensitivities, fatigue, skin rashes, or headaches

   • Key clue: Elevated CRP or other signs of systemic inflammation

4. Adrenal PCOS

   • Driven by the adrenal glands making too much DHEA (a stress hormone)

   • Testosterone and insulin may be normal

   • Often seen in women under chronic stress

   • Key clue: High DHEA-S but normal testosterone and insulin

     
     

🌡️ Symptoms of PCOS

• Irregular or missing periods

• Acne (especially jawline/chin)

• Hair thinning or hair loss

• Extra hair on face, chest, or back

• Weight gain or trouble losing weight

• Fatigue and mood swings

• Fertility problems

You don’t need all of these to have PCOS. Even two or three symptoms can signal a problem.

How Is PCOS Diagnosed?

Most doctors use the Rotterdam criteria:

✅ Irregular periods

✅ Signs of high androgens (like acne or hair growth)

✅ Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

You only need two out of three to get a diagnosis.

Other Helpful Tests:

• Hormones: Testosterone, LH, FSH, DHEA-S, SHBG

• Blood sugar: Fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c

• Inflammation: CRP, homocysteine

• Adrenal health: Cortisol, DHEA

• Thyroid function: TSH, Free T3, Free T4

• Nutrients: Vitamin D, B12, iron, magnesium

  
  

🥗 Lifestyle First: What Really Helps PCOS

Functional medicine focuses on root causes, not just symptoms. Here’s what works:

1. Nutrition

• Focus on whole foods, not processed ones

• Cut back on sugar, white flour, and soda

• Eat more fiber (veggies, legumes, flaxseeds)

• Include healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts)

• Support your gut (fermented foods, probiotics)

2. Exercise

• Move your body 30 minutes/day—walking, weights, yoga

• Strength training helps insulin and hormone balance

• Don’t overdo cardio—it can stress the body and make symptoms worse

3. Sleep & Stress

• Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep

• Try meditation, breathwork, or calming hobbies

• Chronic stress can spike cortisol and worsen adrenal-type PCOS

  
  

🌿 Functional Medicine Treatments & Supplements

These evidence-based options help manage the four PCOS types naturally:

🔬 For Insulin-Resistant PCOS:

• Myo-Inositol + D-Chiro Inositol: Improves insulin and ovulation

• Berberine: Natural alternative to Metformin

• Magnesium: Supports blood sugar and stress

💊 For Inflammatory PCOS:

• Omega-3s (from fish oil or algae): Reduce inflammation

• Curcumin: Active compound in turmeric

• Elimination diet: Identify food triggers (like gluten or dairy)

🌸 For Post-Pill PCOS:

• Zinc and vitamin B6: Support hormone rebalance

• Vitex (chasteberry): May help restart ovulation

• Give your body time—usually improves within 3–9 months

⏳ For Adrenal PCOS:

• Adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola

• Phosphatidylserine: May lower high cortisol

• Mind-body work is key: yoga, therapy, nature

  
  

The Bottom Line

PCOS is complex—but you are not broken. Once you understand your unique type, you can take the right steps to support your body.

Start with food, movement, and stress relief. Add targeted supplements when needed. And most importantly—find a practitioner who listens and works with you.

PROACTIVE FUNCTIONAL CARE CAN HELP. CONTACT US HERE

📚 References

1. Teede, H. et al. (2018). International Evidence-Based PCOS Guidelines. Human Reproduction.

2. IFM. (2023). Functional Medicine Approach to PCOS. www.ifm.org

3. A4M. (2024). Integrative Endocrinology & Hormone Management. www.a4m.com

4. Unfer, V. et al. (2016). Inositols in PCOS: Systematic Review of RCTs. Gynecological Endocrinology.

5. Palomba, S. et al. (2015). PCOS and Lifestyle Interventions: Evidence-Based Results. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology.