Understanding your type of PMOS/PCOS Matters
What is PMOS/PCOS
PCOS stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome but as of recently the name was changes to better suit the condition. PMOS stands of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian sydrome as it is a complex hormonal disorder which after 1 in 8 women.
There are 4 different types of PCOS. It’s important to distinguish between the different types as this affects how to treat your PMOS as there are different driving factors for each type. As a Clinical Nutritionist, I want to ensure we know what type of PMOS you have as this determines how to approach your treatment plan to manage your PMOS.
PMOS is normally diagnosed by doctors with the Rotterdam criteria. You need to meet 2 out of 3 of these symptoms to have PMOS
Lack of Ovulation (long/ irregular cycles)
Hyperandrogenism (excessive hair growth, deeper voice, male pattern hair loss, acne)
Cysts present on a ultrasound or high levels of AMH on a blood test
The 4 different types of PMOS are
Insulin Resistant
Inflammatory
Post Pill
Adrenal
Insulin Resistant PMOS
This is the most common type of PMOS as approx 80% of women with PMOS have insulin resistance.
With insulin resistant PMOS you’re body is producing high levels of insulin which increases ovarian androgen production (Hello High Testosterone!)
Other signs + symptoms that can point towards insulin resistance are rapid weight gain, fatigue after meals, skin tags, difficulty loosing weight. However, to properly know would be to get a blood test that tests fasting insulin levels alongside fasting glucose, HbA1c.
Inflammatory PMOS
This is when chronic inflammation is driving hormone imbalances, and insulin resistance has been ruled out and not present, and you haven’t recently come off the oral contraceptive pill.
Other signs + symptoms are gut issues (bloating, IBS), skin issues, and fatigue
On a blood test you would test inflammatory markers like CRP or ESR.
Post Pill PMOS
This is when you’ve recently come off the oral contraceptive pill and symptoms like irregular cycles, acne, etc appears. These symptoms may appear due to the surge in testosterone and androgens. These symptoms are normally present for 3-6 months after coming off the pill, and no insulin resistance is present.
Adrenal PMOS
This is when the adrenal glands are producing excess androgens (DHEAS) which is normally due to chronic stress. There is no insulin resistance, or inflammation present, and you haven’t recently come off the oral contraceptive pill.
Other signs + symptoms include having long term high stress or burnout, under eating and overtraining, anxiety, poor sleep, craving salt.
With these different types of PMOS there are different mechanisms that are causing imbalances in your hormones. It’s so important to be able to identify which PMOS type you are as treatment looks so different. Luckily for PMOS there are lots of different options to help manage your PMOS through diet, lifestyle and supplements.
