What are the 5 types of PCOS?

Author: Dr. Emerald Goyette  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

So, let's explore what are the 7 Primary types of PCOS:
  • Insulin-resistant PCOS. It is one of the most common types of PCOS. ...
  • Lean PCOS. Lean PCOS is a form of PCOS that predominantly affects women of normal or even underweight. ...
  • Inflammatory PCOS. ...
  • Hidden-cause PCOS. ...
  • Pill-Induced PCOS. ...
  • Adrenal PCOS. ...
  • Post-pregnancy PCOS.

How do I know which type of PCOS I have?

Insulin Resistant PCOS – dominated by symptoms like high blood sugar, darkened skin around the neck and armpits, carb & sugar cravings, and weight gain. Inflammatory PCOS – dominated by symptoms of chronic inflammation like acne and skin rashes, fatigue, joint pain, gut issues, and weight gain.

What is a PCOS belly?

PCOS belly occurs when you develop excess fat or weight gain around your abdomen. This symptom often occurs due to an underlying diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance due to PCOS can influence your weight, causing you to gain unwanted weight.

What does adrenal PCOS look like?

Common Symptoms of Adrenal PCOS

The hair growth is usually excessive and can present on parts of the body where growth is typical in males rather than females. One may also note severe acne and oily skin. This condition of the skin results from a rise in androgen levels.

What type of PCOS is most common?

Insulin-resistant PCOS

This is the most common type of PCOS. This type of PCOS is caused by smoking, sugar, pollution, and trans fat. In this, high levels of insulin prevent ovulation and trigger the ovaries to create testosterone.

Different types of PCOS | BEAT PCOS

What is commonly mistaken for PCOS?

Ovarian cysts and PCOS are related conditions with many of the same symptoms, meaning that women often confuse the two, or wrongly believe that they have PCOS when they do not.

What causes PCOS to flare up?

Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body can't use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse.

Do I have PCOS or Cushing's?

In CS, signs of hypercortisolism predominate, while in PCOS, signs of hyperandrogenism predominate the clinical situation. Among the clinical findings, hirsutism, obesity, acne, alopecia, striae, menstrual irregularities, insulin resistance, and depression are findings that are common to CS and PCOS.

What is the hidden cause of PCOS?

Research has shown that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of PCOS, but its exact cause remains unknown. The symptoms of PCOS tend to run in families, so genetics have long been a focus of PCOS research.

What does PCOS discharge look like?

Symptoms: there are no noticeable symptoms in around half of women with the condition, and there is usually no vaginal soreness or itching. Symptoms may include a greyish-white, thin and watery vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell, especially after sex.

What is the best pill for PCOS?

The easiest way of controlling PCOS is to go on the combined pill (such as Yasmin or Zoely) which prevents recruitment of new egg-follicles and stops the problem from getting worse.

What are the three markers for PCOS?

It is recommended to use the modified Rotterdam criteria, (see Table 1) in which PCOS may be diagnosed if any two of the following are present: (1) clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, (2) evidence of oligo-anovulation, (3) polycystic appearing-ovarian morphology on ultrasound, with exclusion of other relevant ...

Is PCOS a disability?

Yes, you can receive a VA disability rating for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) if you began being treated for the condition during your military service and you continue having symptoms now.

What are the four stages of PCOS?

What Are The Four Types of PCOs?
  • Insulin-Resistant PCOS. This is the most common type of PCOS, characterized by insulin resistance. ...
  • Inflammatory PCOS. Low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of this type of PCOS. ...
  • Hidden-Cause PCOS. In this type, the underlying cause of PCOS is not immediately apparent. ...
  • Pill-Induced PCOS.

What can mimic PCOS?

Other disorders that mimic the clinical features of PCOS should be excluded: thyroid disease, high prolactin levels, and non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Large ovaries with many small follicles (which look like cysts, hence the name "polycystic"). These follicles are not cancerous.

Does PCOS get worse with age?

Moreover, the inflammatory and the metabolic parameters worsen with age, putting women with PCOS at increased risk of life-long health issues beyond menopause, especially the risk of developing CVD, arterial hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

How would you describe PCOS pain?

Yes; in research, nearly 30% of people with PCOS report pain as a symptom. PCOS pain often manifests as period pain, pelvic discomfort, cramps, or lower back pain.

What is cortisol face?

The buildup of fat deposits in the side of your skull can make your face so round that you can't see your ears from the front. The medical term for moon face is moon facies. Some people call it cortisol face. Using steroid medication like prednisone for a long time is often the cause.

Will metformin help PCOS?

Metformin is often used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it can also lower insulin and blood sugar levels in women with PCOS.

What is Cushing's female?

Without treatment, Cushing syndrome can cause facial roundness, weight gain around the middle body and upper back, thinning of the arms and legs, easy bruising, and stretch marks. Cushing syndrome happens when the body has too much of the hormone cortisol for a long time.

What aggravates PCOS?

Diet for PCOS: What to Avoid
  • Fried foods (French fries, potato chips, corn chips and fried chicken or fish)
  • Saturated fats such as butter or margarine.
  • Red meat, including hamburgers, roast beef and steaks, processed luncheon meat and hot dogs.
  • Processed snacks: cakes, cookies, candy and pies.

What medication is used for PCOS weight loss?

Medications effective for weight loss (in addition to lifestyle modifications) that have been specifically studied in women with PCOS include metformin, acarbose, sibutramine, and orlistat (Xenical). Metformin is probably the first-line medication for obesity or weight reduction in patients with PCOS.

What is the best age to get pregnant with PCOS?

Best age to get pregnant with PCOS

The best time for women with PCOS to get pregnant is before they turn 30. It's possible to conceive up to the age of 37, but fertility declines after the age of 32 with steeper decline occurring after age 37.

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