Which Type of PCOS Do You Actually Have? It’s Not Just About Cysts.
May 13, 2025When people hear “PCOS,” they often think of cysts on the ovaries and irregular periods. But here’s the truth: you can have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome without ever developing cysts.
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance disorder with a wide spectrum of causes and symptoms — and the real key to healing it is understanding which type of PCOS you have. Once you know your root cause, you can begin to rebalance your hormones naturally and sustainably.
🧬 The 4 Root Types of PCOS
Hormone expert Dr. Lara Briden coined a helpful way to categorize PCOS into four main types. Understanding which type (or types) apply to you is the first step in your healing journey.
1. Androgen/Insulin-Resistant PCOS
This is the most common type of PCOS and is typically linked to elevated androgens (male hormones like testosterone) and insulin resistance. Blood sugar dysregulation causes your ovaries to produce too many androgens, which disrupts ovulation and leads to common PCOS symptoms like acne, hair loss, and missed periods.
✅ Signs:
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Weight gain, especially around the belly
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Irregular periods
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Acne or unwanted facial hair
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Sugar cravings or energy crashes
2. Post-Pill PCOS
This form of PCOS shows up after stopping hormonal birth control. For some, the body needs time to regulate hormones again. For others, it creates a lasting imbalance that mimics PCOS symptoms and needs support to resolve.
✅ Signs:
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Periods don’t return for months after stopping the pill
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Acne flare-ups
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Delayed ovulation
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Mood swings
3. Adrenal-Based PCOS
If you’re constantly under stress, this form may apply to you. It’s caused by overproduction of DHEA-S (an androgen made by your adrenal glands), not the ovaries. This is tied to adrenal fatigue and chronic stress, which throw off your hormonal rhythm.
✅ Signs:
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High DHEA-S but normal testosterone and LH/FSH
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Anxiety or panic
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Poor sleep
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Always tired, especially in the morning
4. Inflammatory PCOS
Often overlooked, this type is triggered by inflammation from hidden infections, gut dysbiosis, food intolerances, or toxic exposures like mold, plastics, or heavy metals. Chronic inflammation interferes with ovulation and hormone signaling.
✅ Signs:
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Joint pain or autoimmune issues
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Chronic digestive problems (bloating, IBS, etc.)
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Skin rashes or breakouts
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Elevated inflammatory markers in labs
🤯 Can You Have More Than One Type?
Yes. Many women have overlapping factors — for example, stress and gut imbalances. This is why working with a practitioner who understands functional medicine and root cause healing is so crucial.
🔍 How to Know What’s Really Going On
The first step is testing. Some root causes can be detected through standard lab work, but advanced functional medicine testing offers deeper insight into hormone levels, inflammation markers, gut health, toxin loads, and adrenal function.
You can get started by working with your primary care doctor, OB-GYN, or a functional medicine provider to begin the process of investigation.
💡 Start Healing By Addressing the Root Cause
Once you’ve identified the underlying cause of your hormonal imbalance, your symptoms are no longer a mystery — they’re signals pointing you toward healing.
💬 For example:
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If you're constantly doing high-intensity workouts (HIIT), it could be overtaxing your adrenals and throwing off your cortisol.
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If you’ve been exposed to plastics, heavy metals, or mold, your detox pathways may be impaired.
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If your gut is inflamed, nutrient absorption and hormone signaling are disrupted.
Hormone healing is possible — and it starts with the right information.
🎯 Join Our Hormone Rebalancing Workshop — May 18!
✨ Want to dive deeper into the 4 types of PCOS and finally get answers?
✨ Curious how to actually reverse hormone imbalances naturally?
You’re invited to our in-person Hormone Rebalancing Workshop:
📅 Date: May 18
📍 Location: Scented Leaf, Tucson
⏰ Time: DM for full details & to reserve your spot
