The 4 Faces of PCOS: Which One Do You Have?

Hi Healthier Woman, welcome back! (PS: I missed you! πŸ’•)

Okay, before we dive into PCOS like detectives at a hormonal crime scene… here’s a quick joke for the vibe:

Why did the ovary start a podcast?
Because it had too many episodes and needed to vent! πŸŽ™️πŸ˜…

Now, let’s get into it! It’s so common for many of us to think PCOS is one-size-fits-all, when actually—spoiler alert—it’s got different types that need different kinds of care. It completely blew my mind when I first found out: There are actually different types of PCOS! πŸ€―

Honestly, I had no idea either—until I was preparing for the first meetup of a PCOS support community I started at my university. While digging through articles for the presentation, I stumbled on this info, and wow… it was an eye-opener. It made me feel so seen because I finally understood the type of PCOS I have—and it all started to make sense.

Over the next few posts, I’ll break down each type in more detail, but for now, here’s a quick overview:


🌸 Types of PCOS (with brief definitions):

  1. Insulin-Resistant PCOS
    This is the most common type. It’s caused by high insulin levels, which mess with ovulation and increase androgen (male hormone) levels. Often linked to sugar cravings, weight gain (especially around the belly), and fatigue.

  2. Post-Pill PCOS
    Happens after coming off hormonal birth control. Your body’s adjusting, and during that time, you might experience acne, irregular cycles, or missed periods. Thankfully, this type is often temporary.

  3. Inflammatory PCOS
    Triggered by chronic inflammation in the body. It can lead to hormonal imbalances and symptoms like fatigue, skin issues, joint pain, and bloating. Inflammation can stop ovulation and raise androgens too.

  4. Adrenal PCOS
    This type is stress-driven—literally. It’s caused by an overproduction of androgens (like DHEA-S) from the adrenal glands, not the ovaries. You’ll typically see high stress hormones, but normal insulin and inflammation levels.


Each type has its own personality—kind of like the Spice Girls of hormones πŸ˜…—and knowing your type can be a game-changer when it comes to managing your symptoms.

Stay tuned for the next post where I’ll be diving deep into each type πŸ’•

And if you’re reading this thinking “Wait, this is ME!”—girl, same. You’re not alone.

Let me know in the comments which one you relate to the most! 🫢



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