Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and often frustrating condition that affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age, or an estimated 5 million women in the U.S.—with up to 70% of cases undiagnosed. Despite being a common hormonal disorder, there is currently no cure for PCOS, which makes management challenging.
Traditionally, treatment options have focused on addressing specific symptoms, such as irregular periods or insulin resistance. Which is where GLP-1s come in.
GLP-1 medications were originally developed for diabetes management. As they’ve gained popularity, their applications have expanded, leading to new possibilities—including potential for PCOS treatment with GLP-1 medications.
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications—often referred to as GLP-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1 analogs—are a class of drugs primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. They have recently gained FDA-approval for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction in obese patients.
These medications mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism. By stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas in response to meals, GLP-1 medications help:
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Slow gastric emptying
- Reduce appetite
Some common GLP-1 medications include:
- Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
- Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
- Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)—this is a dual-agonist mimicking GLP-1 and GIP
GLP-1 and PCOS management
Managing PCOS can be incredibly frustrating due to its chronic nature and lack of a cure. In addition to the hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues it causes, PCOS can lead to a range of associated health issues.
Thanks to the potential for insulin resistance, it is common for women with PCOS to develop type 2 diabetes. They are also more likely to develop:
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- high cholesterol
- heart disease
Due to the hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance, weight gain is also very common among women with PCOS. It can also be incredibly difficult for them to lose weight—which is a double edged sword since losing weight can have a significant impact on PCOS symptoms.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA) can help to manage some PCOS symptoms, lower weight, and help prevent cardiovascular issues.
GLP-1 analogs PCOS benefits
GLP-1 analogs offer several potential benefits for individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including:
- Improving Insulin Resistance. GLP-1 RAs enhance insulin secretion in response to meals while inhibiting glucagon release, which helps regulate blood sugar levels more effectively. By improving insulin sensitivity, these medications can help alleviate some of the metabolic challenges associated with PCOS.
- Promoting Weight Loss. GLP-1 analogs are known for their appetite-suppressing effects, which can lead to reduced caloric intake and weight loss. Studies have shown that individuals using GLP-1 medications often experience significant weight reductions. Weight loss can have a significant impact on PCOS symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations.
- Supporting Cardiovascular Health. Individuals with PCOS are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease due to factors like obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. GLP-1 analogs have demonstrated cardioprotective benefits that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular risks.
GLP-1 for weight loss in PCOS
Excess weight can worsen PCOS symptoms and increase the risk of related health issues. Between improving insulin resistance and reducing appetite, GLP-1 medications have the potential to create significant weight loss.
Research has demonstrated that weight loss is achievable for women with PCOS. In one notable study, 80% of participants successfully lost at least 5% of their body weight.
This study specifically focused on women with the classic form of PCOS (phenotype A) who had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Participants were administered a weekly injection of 0.5 mg of semaglutide and were instructed to maintain their usual diet and exercise routines throughout the study.
Even with no lifestyle changes and a small dose of semaglutide, participants were able to show a clinically significant weight reduction. Even a 5% weight reduction can have a significant impact on overall health.
PCOS and GLP-1 medications: does it work?
GLP-1 medications offer promising potential benefits for individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It’s important to remember this isn’t a cure. But, it can help to manage several PCOS symptoms and the resulting weight loss can help to mitigate others.
While GLP-1 medications present several advantages, it’s important to acknowledge their limitations. They are not a cure for PCOS; instead, they serve as a treatment option that can help manage symptoms. And, while the effectiveness of these medications can vary from person to person, they may not be suitable for everyone.
You will still need to make lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, to maximize results and maintain long-term success.
See if PCOS treatment with GLP-1 medications is right for you
If you’re curious about whether GLP-1 medications could be a good fit for your PCOS treatment, speak to your healthcare provider about your options. They can help you figure out what’s best for you.
Heally can connect you with friendly, knowledgeable doctors from the comfort of your own home. Register today!
Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO): Polycystic ovary syndrome
- John Hopkins Medicine: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- NCBI: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
- NBC News: Researchers keep discovering new uses for Ozempic
- NCBI: Semaglutide Treatment of Excessive Body Weight in Obese PCOS Patients Unresponsive to Lifestyle Programs
- Science Direct: Effect of GLP-2 agonists on weight loss in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity: A single-center study
