What Is PCOS?
PCOD / PCOS is ‘polycystic ovary disorder’ or ‘polycystic ovary syndrome. It increases the levels of the hormone androgen in a woman’s uterus, resulting in cysts in the ovary. The most common symptoms of PCOS include – irregular periods, acne breakouts, increase in facial hair, sudden weight gain etc.
Due to improper eating, sedentary lifestyle, hormonal imbalances, and stressful life, it is becoming a common problem amongst women these days. Earlier this problem was seen in women of 30 – 35 years, but now this problem is also seen in teenage girls of 16 – 20 years.
There are mainly 4 types of PCOS-
- Insulin resistant PCOS
- Inflammatory PCOS
- Pill induced PCOS
- Hidden PCOS
Let’s discuss each type in detail.
Type 1- Insulin Resistant PCOS :
It is the most common type of PCOS caused due to high levels of insulin in the body. It can also be denoted as a pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Due to this condition, the body becomes less effective towards insulin and the blood sugar level becomes imbalanced. Due to excessive insulin, the process of ovulation is interrupted and the ovaries produce more testosterone. This insulin resistance is caused by high sugar intake, fatty and toxic substances.
Type 2- Immune-related PCOS or INFLAMMATORY PCOS :
It is caused by a prolonged inflammatory disorder (inflammation) inside the body. Ovulation is prevented under this type of PCOS and androgens are produced. The main cause of this could be excessive stress, inflammatory dietary substances like gluten, etc. The main symptoms of this are skin allergies, headaches, infections, etc.
Type 3- Pill-induced PCOS (Due To Oral Contraceptive Pills)
Prolonged intake of birth control pills can cause hormones to become imbalanced, leading to PCOS. Women who intake birth control pills are most likely to adapt to pill-induced PCOS.
Type 4- HIDDEN PCOS / Adrenal PCOS
Many hidden factors might cause PCOS like- iodine deficiency, zinc deficiency, intake of artificial sweeteners, etc. The main factor causing adrenal PCOS is excessive stress or high levels of DHEAS (an androgen produced in the adrenal glands).
However, all these types can be treated by making lifestyle changes and proper targeted treatment.
