The 4 Types of PCOS Explained: How to Identify Yours & What Actually Helps
If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, you’ve probably realized pretty quickly… not all PCOS is the same 🤍
For the longest time, I felt confused because what worked for others didn’t work for me and that’s because there are actually different types of PCOS, each with its own root cause.
Understanding your type can make a HUGE difference in how you manage your symptoms, balance your hormones, and start feeling better.
Let’s break down the 4 main types of PCOS in a simple, easy-to-understand way
What Are the 4 Types of PCOS?
1. Insulin-Resistant PCOS (Most Common)
This is the most common type of PCOS and is driven by high insulin levels.
When your body becomes resistant to insulin, it produces more of it which can trigger excess androgen (male hormones) and worsen symptoms.
Common signs:
Weight gain (especially around the stomach)
Cravings (especially sugar/carbs)
Fatigue after eating
Difficulty losing weight
What helps:
Balanced, low-glycemic meals
Walking after meals
Strength training
Supplements that support insulin sensitivity
2. Inflammatory PCOS
This type is caused by chronic inflammation in the body.
Inflammation can stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens, leading to symptoms.
Common signs:
Chronic fatigue
Skin issues (acne, redness)
Headaches
Joint pain
What helps:
Anti-inflammatory foods (berries, greens, omega-3s)
Reducing processed foods
Managing stress
Supporting gut health
3. Adrenal PCOS
Adrenal PCOS is linked to stress and high cortisol levels.
Your adrenal glands produce excess androgens in response to stress, which can disrupt your hormones.
Common signs:
High stress or burnout
Trouble sleeping
Anxiety
Normal insulin levels
What helps:
Stress management (this is HUGE)
Prioritizing sleep
Gentle movement (walking, yoga)
Nervous system support
4. Post-Pill PCOS
This type can happen after stopping hormonal birth control.
Your body may temporarily struggle to regulate hormones, leading to PCOS-like symptoms.
Common signs:
Symptoms starting after stopping birth control
Acne
Irregular periods
Hair shedding
What helps:
Giving your body time to rebalance
Supporting natural hormone production
Nutrient-rich diet
Gentle detox support
How Do You Know Which Type You Have?
The truth is you can have more than one type at the same time.
The best way to figure it out is:
Looking at your symptoms
Blood work (if available)
Paying attention to how your body responds to changes
Note: (I highly recommend taking the quiz on nourished natural health, it can be very helpful!)
When you understand your type of PCOS, you can:
Stop guessing
Stop wasting money on things that don’t work
Start focusing on what your body actually needs
For me, learning about the different types of PCOS changed EVERYTHING.
It helped me stop comparing my journey to others and start focusing on what works for my body.
Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all and that’s okay 🤍
I share my routines, favorite products, and what’s actually helped me manage my PCOS here:
👉 Check out my PCOS Guide + my favorite products
