Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Have you been told you have PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? My first question would be, how was this diagnosed? And what are your symptoms? As PCOS cannot accurately be diagnosed via ultrasound. 

So what actually is PCOS? The name PCOS is a misnomer, as this condition has very little to do with how your ovaries look on an ultrasound. PCOS is a condition typically driven by elevated insulin, which impedes ovulation and stimulates the ovaries to make testosterone instead of oestrogen.


The typical symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, anovulation (lack of ovulation) which causes infertility, weight gain and elevated androgens causing acne and male pattern hair growth. 

Naturopath Lara Briden argues that there are actually SEVERAL types of PCOS. The type of PCOS you have will therefore dictate the lifestyle, nutritional and herbal supplements you may need. Treatment often includes modifying the diet to reduce sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, plus supplements to help with insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, herbs to correct hormone imbalances and stress reduction techniques.

1. Insulin resistant PCOS: this is the classic PCOS type and the most common. You may have normal blood sugar levels, but elevated insulin which stimulates the ovaries to make testosterone. Eating too much sugar can cause insulin resistance; there is also a genetic component. The oral contraceptive pill further impairs insulin sensitivity. 

2. Post-pill PCOS: this is the second most common type of PCOS. The OCP suppresses ovulation, which may take months or even years to return. The good news is that this type of PCOS is usually temporary. You may have this type of PCOS if you have all the symptoms of PCOS, but your insulin is normal, and you had regular periods before starting the OCP. 


3. Inflammatory PCOS: this could be your type if you haven’t come off the pill, and don’t have elevated insulin. This type of PCOS is driven by chronic immune activation driven by stress, environmental toxins, intestinal permeability and inflammatory foods. Inflammation impedes ovulation, disrupts hormone receptors and stimulates adrenal androgens such as DHEA and androstenedione. 


4. Adrenal PCOS: only 10% of cases are usually adrenal PCOS. This type meets all criteria for PCOS but:

  • No insulin resistance

  • Not negatively affected by coming off the OCP

  • No signs or symptoms of inflammation

  • Normal ovarian androgens but elevated DHEA (an adrenal androgen)

5. Hidden cause PCOS: what if you are none of the above criteria? It could be hidden cause PCOS due to one or more of the following:

  • Too much soy, which can block ovulation. 

  • Thyroid disease, iodine and/or vit D deficiency, as ovaries need thyroid hormones and these nutrients. 

  • Vegetarian diet lacking in zinc. 

  • Artificial sweeteners, which impair insulin and leptin signalling.

  • Too little carbohydrate, as this is needed for hormone production and ovulation. 

  • Elevated prolactin, which increases DHEA.

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, or suspect you may have the condition, reach out to see how naturopathy can help you.

Hayley Brass