GLP-1 Receptor Agonists May Alleviate Symptoms in Patients With PCOS

Weight loss drugs may provide benefits or relief from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms, according to CNBC. Particularly, patients with PCOS reported that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—such as semaglutide (Wegovy; Novo Nordisk) and tirzepatide (Zepbound; Eli Lilly)—helped regulate their menstrual cycles and alleviate pain, lose weight related to the hormonal disorder, improve depression and anxiety, and encourage hair regrowth. Currently, GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved for this condition, meaning that research is needed to understand why they alleviate PCOS symptoms, establish potential treatment regimens, and confirm safety and efficacy.¹

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PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects how a patient’s ovaries work. The most common symptoms are irregular menstruation, excess androgen, and polycystic ovaries, but other symptoms can include difficulty becoming pregnant, thinning hair or hair loss, weight gain, and oily skin or acne. The exact cause of the condition is unknown; however, it often runs in families and is believed to be related to abnormal hormonal levels within the body.²

There are no specific treatments for PCOS, but there are therapeutic methods that can target PCOS-related symptoms. Additionally, patients with PCOS can make lifestyle changes or modifications (eg, exercise, maintain a healthy and balanced diet).²

“The unmet need [for PCOS treatment] is massive,” Melanie Cree, MD, PhD, pediatric endocrinologist, Children’s Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, said in the CNBC article. “Primary therapies used for PCOS symptoms haven’t changed in nearly 50 years.”¹

Because PCOS is believed to be related to abnormal hormone levels, including high levels of insulin or insulin resistance, inadequate management can contribute to reproductive dysfunction and poorer quality of life in patients with PCOS. Additionally, metabolic dysfunction leads to a risk of cardiovascular disease in aging women with PCOS, as well as gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. For these reasons, diagnosis and treatment are crucial.³

Of note, the CNBC article points to 2023 research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, which assessed women with PCOS and obesity receiving treatment with semaglutide. For this study (NCT05819853), a total of 27 patients with a diagnosis of PCOS and obesity who did not reduce their body weight via a lifestyle modification program were treated with 0.5 mg of subcutaneous semaglutide weekly.^4,5

Following 3 months of treatment with semaglutide, an improvement in body weight with a mean decrease in body weight of about 7.6 kg and a mean body mass index (BMI) loss of 3.1 was observed. Notably, the investigators wrote that very few adverse effects (AEs) were reported by patients. Nearly 80% of the studied patients obtained at least a 5% decrease in their body weight, and a smaller proportion (22%) had obtained a decrease in body weight lower than 5% and were considered “nonresponsive” to semaglutide. These patients, the investigators noted, presented a more severe obesity compared with patients who responded more positively.⁴

Independently of results on body weight, and in patients who did not obtain a 5% decrease in their body weight, insulin basal values decreased, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance improved. Fasting blood glucose normalized in approximately 80% of semaglutide-treated women who increased fasting glucose. In those who were responsive to semaglutide (weight loss > 5%), the treatment was continued for an additional 3 months. Although weight loss slowed—but continued—and, at the end of the total 6 months of therapy, the mean body weight loss was about 11.5 kg and the mean BMI reduced from 34.4 to 29.4, wrote the investigators. Overall, a total of 80% of responsive patients had their menstrual cycles normalized while on semaglutide.⁴

These findings show that treatment with low doses of semaglutide significantly reduces body weight in nearly 80% of patients with PCOS and obesity who were unresponsive to a previous lifestyle plan. Significantly, treatment was found to be associated with the normalization of menstrual cycles and minimal AEs.⁴

Conducting longer and larger trials in the future will be necessary to better understand the effects GLP-1 receptor agonists can have on PCOS symptoms, said Sasha Ottey, executive director of PCOS Challenge, an advocacy group, according to CNBC reporting. Currently, it is not clear whether treatment with a GLP-1 can address or resolve all PCOS-related symptoms, or whether the effects vary depending on a person’s age or the specific drug that is being used.¹

It is important to remember that insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications can be a barrier for patients, particularly amid shortages and changes in medications that are being covered. Although most plans might cover GLP-1 medications for diabetes, they might not be covered for obesity or unapproved uses. Pharmacists are crucial in this process, as their guidance can help patients better understand their covered treatment options or seek alternative therapeutic methods.¹

REFERENCES

1. Constantino AK. Weight loss drugs could be a gamechanger for women with a common hormonal disorder. CNBC. Updated July 21, 2025. Accessed July 24, 2025. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/20/weight-loss-drugs-could-help-treat-pcos.html

2. NHS. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Accessed July 24, 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/

3. Amisi CA. Markers of insulin resistance in Polycystic ovary syndrome women: An update. World J Diabetes. 2022;13(3):129-149. doi:10.4239/wjd.v13.i3.129

4. Carmina E, Longo RA. Semaglutide Treatment of Excessive Body Weight in Obese PCOS Patients Unresponsive to Lifestyle Programs. J Clin Med. 2023;12(18):5921. Published 2023 Sep 12. doi:10.3390/jcm12185921

5. Role of Semaglutide in Restoring Ovulation in Youth and Adults With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (RESTORE). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05819853. Updated July 31, 2024. Accessed July 24, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05819853