Types of PCOS
There are four different types of PCOS:
1. Post Pill PCOS
Being on hormonal birth control or coming off it can cause PCOS like symptoms.
The pill can elevate insulin and androgens as well as supressing ovulation.
Ovulation should resume once stopping the pill but for some women, it can take months or years for their menstrual cycle to come back.
2. Insulin Resistance PCOS
Insulin resistance PCOS is the most common PCOS. Insulin resistance can lead to weight gain, heart disease and diabetes.
It can also stimulate your pituitary to make excess Luteinising Hormone (LH) which can impair ovulation. This can then cause your ovaries to start producing testosterone instead of estrogen leading to excess androgens.
Young women may experience symptoms similar to insulin resistance PCOS as they go through puberty.
Both post pill and insulin resistance PCOS will need specific bloodwork requested to determine their type.
