The 4 Types of PCOS: Which One Do You Have?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women, but not all PCOS is the same. If you’ve been diagnosed and your treatment isn’t working—or your symptoms don’t quite match what you’ve read—it could be because there are actually 4 types of PCOS, and each one requires a different approach.
Understanding your type is the first step to effective healing. Here’s a breakdown of the four types:
1. Insulin-Resistant PCOS (The Most Common)
Hallmark Signs: Irregular cycles, elevated testosterone, belly fat, fatigue, sugar cravings, acne (especially jawline), and skin tags.
What’s happening: Your cells are resisting insulin, causing your body to produce more of it. High insulin triggers your ovaries to make more testosterone, which disrupts ovulation.
Causes: Poor diet, stress, lack of sleep, gut issues, hormonal birth control, environmental toxins.
Treatment focus:
- Stabilize blood sugar (low-glycemic diet, high protein, magnesium, inositol)
- Manage stress and improve sleep
- Targeted supplements: NAC, berberine, omega-3s
- Reduce endocrine disruptors and support liver detox
- Get Dr. Whelan’s Insulin-Resistant PCOS supplement protocol here.
2. Inflammatory PCOS
Hallmark Signs: Irregular periods, high androgens without insulin resistance, plus inflammation symptoms like fatigue, IBS, eczema, joint pain, and headaches.
What’s happening: Chronic inflammation disrupts hormone signaling and stimulates the ovaries and adrenals to produce more androgens.
Causes: Autoimmunity, food sensitivities, gut issues, toxins, stress.
Treatment focus:
- Anti-inflammatory diet (dairy- and gluten-free)
- Heal the gut and identify food sensitivities
- Use anti-inflammatory supplements: zinc, magnesium, NAC, probiotics
- Detox lifestyle and reduce toxin exposure
- Get Dr. Whelan’s Inflammatory PCOS Supplement Protocol
3. Post-Pill PCOS
Hallmark Signs: Irregular periods and acne after stopping hormonal birth control, especially if you had no symptoms before going on the pill.
What’s happening: The pill suppresses your natural hormone production. When you stop, there’s often a rebound surge in androgens and temporary insulin resistance.
Good news: This type is usually temporary!
Treatment focus:
- Whole-food, liver-supportive diet
- Restore depleted nutrients (zinc, B-vitamins, magnesium)
- Support ovulation naturally with herbs like vitex and antioxidants like NAC
- Get Dr. Whelan’s Post-Pill PCOS supplement protocol.
4. Adrenal PCOS
Hallmark Signs: Normal ovarian hormones (testosterone, androstenedione) but elevated DHEA-S, regular periods, no insulin resistance or inflammation.
What’s happening: This type is driven by an abnormal stress response, often rooted in HPA axis dysfunction and high cortisol.
Causes: Chronic stress, trauma, or stress during puberty.
Treatment focus:
- Stress-reduction techniques (yoga, nature, breathwork, good sleep)
- Adrenal support (B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, adaptogens like rhodiola)
- Calming anti-androgens (zinc, licorice, spearmint, NAC)
- Check out Dr. Whelan’s specially curated Adrenal PCOS protocol on Fullscript.
Final Thoughts
PCOS isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. Identifying your unique PCOS type—whether it’s insulin-resistant, inflammatory, post-pill, or adrenal—can help you choose the right treatments and finally start feeling better.
👉 Tip: Some women have overlap between types, so working with a knowledgeable practitioner is key.
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each type in upcoming posts. In the meantime, start by supporting your sleep, blood sugar, and stress levels—these help no matter your PCOS type.
About Dr. Whelan:
Dr. Whelan is a highly regarded licensed naturopathic doctor (N.D.) and Creighton Model FertilityCare™ Medical Consultant. She is renowned for her expertise in treating PCOS and endometriosis. Her practice specializes in lifestyle medicine, nutritional counseling, botanical medicine, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Selecting Dr. Whelan as your women’s health expert ensures you receive a doctor who listens to your concerns, identifies the root causes of your health issues, and supports you with preventive care to help you achieve your best possible life.
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