How to find your PCOS type

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Let’s Find Your PCOS Type

> TYPE 1 - Inflammatory PCOS: You feel puffy all the time, your skin flares up without warning, and your digestion is sluggish or unpredictable—you can even bloat from just breathing in air, it seems. Despite eating “clean,” your body still feels like it’s in fight mode. That’s the classic vibe of inflammatory PCOS, which is driven by chronic, low-grade inflammation. When your immune system stays switched on for too long, it can disrupt ovulation, throw your hormones out of balance, and increase androgens like testosterone—even if your blood sugar and insulin levels are perfectly normal.

Common signs include: bloating, food sensitivities, joint pain, fatigue, irregular periods, and skin issues like acne or eczema. You can ask your doctor about checking inflammation markers like CRP or homocysteine.

To support this type: Start by reducing processed foods and focusing on anti-inflammatory staples like leafy greens, berries, salmon, flaxseeds, and olive oil. Herbs like turmeric or ginger can help too.

> TYPE 2 - Insulin-resistant PCOS: You crave carbs like it’s your job. You feel foggy or exhausted after meals, and the weight around your belly refuses to budge no matter how healthy you try to eat. This is the most common type of PCOS, and it’s driven by blood sugar and insulin imbalances. When your cells stop responding well to insulin, your body makes more of it—and that extra insulin signals your ovaries to produce more testosterone.

Common signs include: Acne, irregular periods, fatigue, and stubborn weight gain. You might also notice skin tags or dark patches around your neck or underarms. You can ask your doctor to check your fasting insulin, glucose, and A1c levels to get a clearer picture.

To support this type: Managing this type isn’t about extreme dieting or cutting every carb—it’s about balance. Build your meals around protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep your blood sugar stable. Walking after meals and incorporating strength training a few times a week can make a big difference. Supplements like inositol (especially the myo + D-chiro combo) can also help improve insulin sensitivity.

> TYPE 3 - Adrenal PCOS: You’re always on edge, your sleep is a mess, and your skin breaks out the minute stress enters the chat. Your labs might say your hormones are “normal,” but you still feel anything but. If this sounds familiar, you could be dealing with Adrenal PCOS. Unlike other types, this one is often stress-driven and caused by elevated DHEA-S, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands—not your ovaries. So even if your testosterone and insulin levels are fine, your stress response system might be throwing everything off.

Common signs include: anxiety, racing thoughts, jawline acne, and feeling wired but exhausted. If your testosterone levels are normal but you still feel off, ask your doctor to check DHEA-S—it’s a common blind spot.

To support this type: The fix here isn’t more discipline or harder workouts—it’s the opposite. Prioritize rest, gentle movement, deep breathing, and magnesium-rich routines. Cut down on caffeine and swap intense workouts for walks, yoga, or journaling. Adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola might help too (just check with your doctor). This type of PCOS needs softness and structure—not stress.

> TYPE 4 - Hypothyroid PCOS (or PCOS Mimicker): You’re exhausted no matter how much you sleep. Your periods are irregular or completely missing. You’re cold all the time, your digestion is sluggish, your hair is thinning, and despite eating “healthy,” nothing seems to budge. Sometimes, what looks like PCOS is actually a sluggish thyroid in disguise. An underactive thyroid can slow your metabolism, disrupt your hormones, and lead to ovulatory issues and cystic ovaries—mimicking PCOS even when the root cause is entirely different.

Common signs include: fatigue, brain fog, constipation, cold hands and feet, and long or absent cycles. If this sounds like you, ask your doctor for a full thyroid panel—not just TSH, but also Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies (TPO).

PCOS Confessions

“I didn’t change everything overnight. I just started walking after dinner — and it actually helped my energy and my bloating.”
— Mel, 35

“Giving up sugar for a month felt impossible… but now I sleep better and my skin’s the clearest it’s been in years.”
— Jules, 28

“I stopped obsessing over the scale and started lifting weights. My cycles came back, and so did my confidence.”
— Nora, 32

^{Why PCOS Queens? I want to save you the energy and time in researching and instead give you the shortcut to managing PCOS. I want to help you avoid feeling self-conscious and thinking you have to accept how things are. I want to help you overcome the worst of your symptoms, feel empowered and discover your inner strength. I want to hand you the keys to take back control of your life.}

*Disclaimer: Every women is unique, and this information is provided for educational purposes only. I share summarized research data and personal experience, but this should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific health needs.