What is your PCOS type?
September is PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common ovulatory disorder diagnoses. It is evident that women with PCOS experience a variety of different symptoms with longstanding effects on their bodies and quality of life. The complexity of PCOS makes getting diagnosed and receiving appropriate treatment difficult.
Unfortunately, the internet makes understanding PCOS even harder. Different types of PCOS are widely discussed online, such as Adrenal PCOS, Post-Pill PCOS, Thyroid PCOS, Inflammatory PCOS, etc. There is no research to classify PCOS in these types. However, women with PCOS can definitely experience thyroid disorders, adrenal concerns, inflammation and worsening of PCOS after discontinuing their birth control pill. The complexity of this diagnosis makes women suffering from PCOS vulnerable to misinformation. It is true that there are different phenotypes of PCOS, however they are based on the diagnostic criteria used to diagnose PCOS called the Rotterdam Criteria. When a woman with PCOS is able to identify her phenotype, she is able to understand the severity of her condition and find treatments that will be effective.
Through this post, I will take you through the four phenotypes of PCOS and guide you towards a better understanding of your unique PCOS. The first step to understanding your PCOS (hyperlink the past PCOS blog post to this) is to determine whether you have it or not. Identifying your clinical symptoms is the key and can be achieved by taking a look at the Rotterdam Criteria. You’ll need to have two out of the three following criteria:
1. Hyperandrogenism.
Do you have acne, unexplained excessive facial and body hair growth, and/or scalp hair loss?
Have you been tested for androgens, such as testosterone?
And were these results high?
2. Oligomenorrhea/Amenorrhea
Do you have irregular or absent periods?
Are you ovulating?
3. Polycystic Ovaries
Do you have cysts on your ovaries that were found during a transvaginal ultrasound?
The answers to the above questions will help identify your PCOS phenotype. If you’re unsure about your answers, this is a great way to collaborate with your trusted healthcare provider to kickstart your PCOS journey. The four phenotypes of PCOS are arranged into two categories: Classic and NonClassic. As shown below, women with classic symptoms of PCOS are further divided into Type A and Type B. These women suffer from the typical signs of PCOS and are easily diagnosed and treated. Women who present with non-classic symptoms of PCOS are further divided into Type C and Type D and usually go undiagnosed without proper treatment.
Here are the four phenotypes of PCOS:
Classic
TYPE A Hyperandrogenism Irregular Periods Polycystic Ovaries
TYPE B Hyperandrogenism Irregular Periods
Non-Classic
TYPE C Hyperandrogenism Regular Periods Polycystic Ovaries
TYPE D Oligomenorrhea Polycystic Ovaries
It is important to note here that PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion. There are many disorders that can mimic symptoms of PCOS. Diagnoses such as hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypothalamic amenorrhea and high prolactin can present with similar signs and symptoms. It is imperative to rule out these disorders prior to. Many women live with undiagnosed PCOS either due to poor medical care or lack of awareness. Identifying your PCOS phenotype is an important first step to truly understanding your PCOS. PCOS is complicated. Without proper knowledge, it can also become confusing. Don’t let this be your PCOS journey. Speak to one of our naturopathic doctors today to get the directed and individualized care you deserve!
Read on to find out more about how Dr. Reecha can help you with your health concerns as a virtual naturopathic doctor.
Dr. Reecha can offer consultations from a distance to anyone who is based in Ontario. She is available for phone and online consultations. With virtual care, you can receive much of the naturopathic care you need without having to leave your home. Accessing virtual naturopathic services does not change the effectiveness of your care. The only thing that changes from an in-person to online visit is how you speak with your naturopath. The quality of service is the same, and is still individualized to your needs.
Virtual consults are provided through a secure online video platform. This ensures that your medical information remains safe and confidential. All you will need is a secure internet connection and a computer or a smartphone. In addition, treatment plans and lab requisition forms created for you can be securely provided to you for easy access. Eliminating the hassle of papers and reducing our carbon footprint.
Dr. Reecha is a licensed naturopathic doctor in Ontario, therefore if your insurance covers naturopathic medicine, it will also cover virtual naturopathic consultations. It is always best to double-check your insurance plan for more information and confirm your coverage.
There are many benefits of virtual naturopathic consultations. The first is convenience. Virtual consults allow for more flexibility within your schedule. Whether you are at work or at home, you can easily book in with Dr. Reecha during a time that best fits your busy schedule. Virtual naturopathic services also eliminate commuting and waiting room times maximizing your time of care. This is particularly helpful if you live in a rural or remote area.
As a part of the team at Natural Route Health in Kingston, Dr. Reecha is able to offer all naturopathic services to patients, including in-person assessments and treatments through her amazing colleagues at the clinic. For example, if Dr. Reecha determines that acupuncture sessions will be beneficial for your case, she can offer this service through one of her fellow naturopaths at the clinic. This unique set up allows for patients to benefit from all naturopathic treatments and come into the office for any necessary physical examinations.
Booking and attending your virtual naturopathic appointment with Dr. Reecha is easy. You can book by either calling (613) 767-6982 or online via Outsmart. On the day of your appointment, check your email for a reminder. This reminder will contain instructions for you to log in on your computer or smartphone shortly before your appointment is scheduled to start. Once logged in, you’ll be directed to Dr. Reecha’s waiting room where she will call you when ready.
If you’re still not sure virtual consultations are right for you, book a FREE 15 minute Meet & Greet. You can meet with Dr. Reecha over the phone to find out if she is the right person to help you reach your health goals and how she can help you get to the root cause of your health concerns.
