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PCOS is a hormonal condition that causes a range of unwanted and uncomfortable symptoms. PCOS is caused by an imbalance in hormones, particularly androgens ('male' hormones) which include DHT and testosterone. When these levels are high in women, it can result in PCOS. Typical symptoms of PCOS include:
✔ Acne ✔ Oily hair and skin ✔ Excess hair growth on face and body ✔ Weight gain / weight plateau ✔ Darkened skin patches ✔ Irregular periods / no periods ✔ Fertility issues
✔ Ovarian ‘Cysts’
✔ Mood swings
✔ Fatigue There are actually four different types of PCOS; Insulin Resistance, Inflammatory, Adrenal and Post-pill. Each of these types not only presents differently, but each requires a unique, holistic approach to managing symptoms. When this is done effectively, it is possible for PCOS to be sent into complete remission with symptoms disappearing entirely.
Too often, I see clients who have been struggling for years to find relief from their PCOS symptoms because the previous advice they received was a generic ‘one-size fits all’ approach to managing their PCOS. Unsurprisingly, this doesn’t work because every woman is unique and the management of their PCOS needs to be specifically tailored for them.
Below is an outline of the symptoms associated with each type of PCOS and the most effective approaches to managing symptoms.
Type #1 – Insulin Resistance
Symptoms:
· Cravings
· High blood sugar levels
· Weight gain (particularly around abdomen)
· Fatigue
· Acne
· Excess hair
· Irregular periods
· Darkened skin patches (particularly around neck and armpits)
Management:
· Effective exercise routine
· Low sugar nutrition plan
· Reducing stress
· Improving sleep
· Supplementation of key nutrients
Type #2 – Inflammatory
Symptoms:
· Skin issues (eg. rashes, eczema)
· Acne
· Gut issues
· Bloating
· Headaches
· Joint pain
· Weight gain / plateau
· Fatigue
Management:
· Address existing gut issues
· Balance gut microbiome
· Identify and avoid dietary triggers
· Anti-inflammatory nutrition plan
Type #3 – Adrenal
Symptoms:
· Chronic fatigue
· Anxiety
· Mood swings
· Sleep issues
· Weight gain / plateau
· Hair loss
· High DHEA levels
Management:
· Reduce stress levels
· Improve sleep
· Avoid high intensity exercise
· Avoid caffeine
· Supplementation of key nutrients
Type #4 – Post-pill
Symptoms:
· Irregular / no periods
· Mood swings
· Fatigue
· Weight gain
· Acne since stopping pill
· Excess hair growth since stopping pill
· High LH levels
Management:
· Effective hormone balancing nutrition plan
· Supplementation of key nutrients
· Reduce stress
· Improve sleep
In order to find relief from your symptoms, it is firstly important to identify which type(s) of PCOS you have. You can do this by working with a Nutritional Therapist specialising in female hormones. Once you’ve identified your type, through working with your Nutritional Therapist, you can start to make effective lifestyle changes that will help you to manage your symptoms holistically and you could even send your PCOS into remission.
If you would like to work with me to find relief from your PCOS symptoms, I am taking on new clients next month so please get in contact. Firstly, we would work together to identify which type(s) of PCOS you have. Following this, I will create a tailored Lifestyle Programme for you, complete with a nutrition plan (incl. meal plans and recipe book), exercise plan and emotional wellbeing plan. I will be available for support throughout to help you identify and overcome any challenges you face, to answer any questions and for motivation when you need it!
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