Did you know that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, affects as many as five million women in the United States and it is one of the most common causes of infertility. PCOS symptoms—including weight gain, weight loss resistance, acne, missing or irregular periods, thinning hair on the top of the head and excess hair on the face and chest—can be annoying at best and debilitating at worst.Despite the name, polycystic ovarian syndrome has nothing to do with cysts on the ovaries. The things your doctor saw on ultrasound are follicles or eggs, which are normal for the ovary. You can have many eggs and still have normal hormones, and that’s why ultrasound cannot diagnose (or rule out) the hormonal condition PCOS.PCOS is best defined as androgen excess (high male hormones). Don’t let the term “male hormones” mislead you, however. Androgens are produced in both women and men and play subtle but important roles in the female body. It’s only when they become out of balance that they can cause problems.What this imbalance does is interfere with our regular menstrual cycles. Women with PCOS experience: Missing or irregular periods (not ovulating regularly)Unwanted face and chest hairLoss of hair on the headAcne (specifically on the jawline, chest, and back)Carrying extra weight around the waistlineInability to lose weightInsulin resistance and dysregulated blood sugar (though not in every case. Most women with PCOS have dysregulated insulin, but not all)To treat PCOS, you need to know what’s driving it. In other words, you need to know the different types of PCOS. And that’s what we dive into today in this episode.The Four Types of PCOS1.Insulin-resistant PCOS2. Post-pill PCOS (which is temporary)3. Inflammatory PCOS4. Adrenal PCOS, which is far less commonTune in to learn more!Three articles mentioned in the episode:Maybe it’s not PCOS (and PCOS cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound)Pain is not a symptom of PCOSIs it PCOS or hypothalamic amenorrhea or both?Did you learn something new today? Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and share this episode with all the girls you love. We would appreciate it if you'd also rate us and leave a comment on iTunes.Be sure to join our movement by following us on Instagram @mixhersorCody Sanders @soulhappyandhealthyJess Toolson @jesstoolsonTo submit questions or if you think you'd be a perfect guest to have on our podcast reach out to mccall@mixhers.com or DM McCall @mixhers on IG.Today's show is sponsored by MixhersProduced by @sandmanpodcasting Email Trevor at: sandmanrecording@gmail.com