What is your PCOS type?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  Do you experience any of the following? (please tick all that apply)

  • A.
    Hair loss
  • B.
    Slow metabolism - weight loss resistance
  • C.
    Low mood, depression, anxiety
  • D.
    Cold hands and feet
  • E.
    Thinning eyebrows
  • F.
    None of the above
• 2.
  Do you experience any of the following? (please tick all that apply)

  • A.
    Feeling hungry less than 4 hours after main meals
  • B.
    Getting a 3pm energy slump
  • C.
    Trouble losing weight
  • D.
    Feeling thirsty all the time
  • E.
    None of the above
• 3.
  Do you experience any of the following? (please tick all that apply)

  • A.
    Wake up tired even after 7- 8 hours sleep
  • B.
    Afternoon headaches, or headaches with exertion or stress
  • C.
    Unable to get to sleep ‘tired but wired’
  • D.
    Sweat easily – with little or no exertion
  • E.
    Low libido
  • F.
    Craving salty food
  • G.
    None of the above
• 4.
  Do you have a known history or family history of thyroid issues?

  • A.
    Yes
  • B.
    No
  • C.
    Unsure
• 5.
  Do you have a known history or family history of high blood sugars?

  • A.
    Yes
  • B.
    No
  • C.
    Unsure
• 6.
  How would you describe your current stress levels?  

  • A.
    Not too bad right now, but I have had a stressful few years.
  • B.
    Bubbling over! My work and/or personal life is very demanding.
  • C.
    Minimal. I am cool as a cucumber mostly.

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Your PCOS type is PCOS (thyroid)

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  Did you know as many as 25% of women with PCOS, also have an under-lying thyroid condition? Personally, I believe this stat to be under-reported because it’s difficult to have proper thyroid testing completed through a Doctor or General Practitioner. Thyroid conditions are very commonly missed as TSH is the only marker often tested. According to the Rotterdam Criteria of diagnosis for PCOS, hypothyroidism should be ruled out when you are diagnosed with PCOS. But in my experience, I don’t believe this is being done often enough. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) then your metabolism will be slower. This will cause you to gain weight, even if you’re on a low calorie diet and it will also cause a disruption of your sex hormones resulting in possible fertility changes. Weight gain and infertility is also a symptom of PCOS. As a result, hypothyroidism often goes undiagnosed in women with PCOS.Common symptoms of low thyroid function includeHair lossSlow metabolism - weight loss resistanceLow mood, depression, anxietyFatigue and muscle weaknessLow basal body temperature <36CDry skinCold hands and feetConstipationThinning eyebrows If you experience 2 or more of the following, in conjunction with your “typical” PCOS symptoms then I encourage you to have a thorough thyroid investigation. Stay tuned in your inbox for my testing recommendations. Solaine X
• 2.
  Your PCOS type is PCOS (insulin-resistant)

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  Insulin resistance is the most common “root cause” or driving factor behind PCOS, studies show 70-80% of PCOS is driven by insulin resistance.High insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens. They also reduce the amount of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in the blood. SHBG is like a sponge for excess hormones. If levels of it are low then the levels of hormones in the blood will be much higher.Signs and symptoms of insulin resistance includeWeight loss resistanceGetting the "hangries"Feeling like no matter what you do the weight doesn't shiftExcessive thirst3pm slumpUnusual fatigueSkin tagsInsulin resistance is one of the first things that needs to be checked if you have PCOS. A common misconception is that if you are not overweight then you do not have insulin resistance, when in fact this isn’t always true. Weight and insulin are not mutually exclusive. In fact I’ve seen many clients in my clinic who, if going off weight alone I would have totally missed their insulin resistance. If you have PCOS, testing your fasting insulin levels is a total no-brainer. Something I recommend all women with PCOS do. Stay tuned in your inbox for my testing recommendations. Solaine X
• 3.
  Your PCOS type is PCOS (adrenal)

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  Stress-based, or ‘adrenal’, PCOS is the third most common cause of PCOS.When we put ourselves under a lot of stress, the brain stimulates the adrenal glands to produce stress hormones. These hormones are adrenaline (the ‘fight-or-flight’ hormone) and cortisol, adrenaline’s long-term cousin. At the same time however, the brain also produces androgens, such as DHEA-S and androstenedione. Most people, even some physicians, are not aware that 50% of women with PCOS have excess adrenal androgens.Signs and symptoms of adrenal issues includeCannot stay asleepYou feel excessively tired after exercise for longer than 20 minutesWake up tired even after 7- 8 hours sleepAfternoon fatigueAfternoon headaches, or headaches with exertion or stressUnable to get to sleep ‘tired but wired’Sweat easily – with little or no exertionCrave saltLow libidoOne of the best ways to identify if you fall into the category of adrenal PCOS is to test your DHEA-S levels. Stay tuned in your inbox for my testing recommendations. Solaine X