The breakdown of PCOS.
I purchased a book called ‘8 Steps To Reverse Your PCOS’ by Dr Fiona McCulloch (BSC, RAC, ND) and I would recommend it to all my PCOS girlies. It is incredibly informative and put so many things into perspective for me. I re-read it often as it brings some comfort and reassurance. The information you are about to read is from Dr McCulloch’s book and will be linked throughout this post.
1Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that is found in women of reproductive age. It can affect hormones, the skin, cardiovascular health, metabolism and fertility. However, this does not mean that PCOS is a ‘one type fits all’ condition. It can and does manifest differently in each woman.
Over the years, PCOS diagnosis has confused and, in some cases, caused arguments amongst medical professional groups. This is because PCOS looks so different for each woman, it has been agreed that there are ‘types’ or phenotypes of PCOS. Dr McCulloch goes into detail about each different criterion, but I will paraphrase the 4 types.
2PCOS Types
A- is categorised as having delayed ovulation, hyperandrogenic, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
B- is categorised as having delayed ovulation, hyperandrogenic, with normal ovaries on ultrasound.
C- is categorised as hyperandrogenic, with polycystic ovaries on ultrasound and with regular ovulation.
D- is categorised as delayed ovulation, with polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, and without androgenic signs.
But what does any of this mean? The word androgenic implies that there are higher levels of ‘male’ hormones, such as testosterone and DHEA. Don’t fret if you have no clue which type you are, there are multiple questions within ‘8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS’ and how best to identify your unique features and treat them.
What does this mean for you?
If you already know your type, make yourself a cup of tea but if you don’t, then make yourself a cup of tea anyway and have a good think about what your type could be. I think it is so important to have this understanding before looking at ways to support your PCOS. I say ‘your PCOS’ because it is yours. This thing doesn’t define you but is a part of you and is your responsibility to nurture and care for.
It seems harsh to write that but it is true and it is a concept I still struggle to grasp at times. It isn’t my fault that I have PCOS but it is my responsibility to aid my body in its healing process. Repeat after me… ‘It is not my fault but it is my responsibility to care for’.
Next steps.
Now, take some deep breaths and take some time to address your PCOS type. Remember, you are still a beautiful person who is capable of incredible things. In the next series, I will be discussing the next steps in addressing PCOS.
- McCulloch, F. (2016) 8 steps to reverse your PCOS: A proven program to reset your hormones, repair your metabolism and restore your fertility. Austin, TX: Greenleaf Book Group Press. ↩︎
- McCulloch, F. (2016b) ‘Defining PCOS’, in 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS. Austin, Texas: Greenleaf Book Group Press, pp. 9–9. ↩︎
