Key takeaways:
Most people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can safely take a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication.
GLP-1 medications may help improve some PCOS symptoms. But it’s not clear how long these improvements last.
GLP-1 medications aren’t FDA-approved to treat PCOS and may not be covered by insurance when used to treat PCOS.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone disorders worldwide. It can cause irregular periods, weight gain, insulin resistance, and excess hair growth.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications can help with weight loss and blood sugar control, which may also help with PCOS. While they aren’t FDA-approved to treat this condition, researchers have been studying whether they can improve some of the condition’s most challenging symptoms.
In this article, we’ll review whether it’s safe to take a GLP-1 medication if you have PCOS and what the research shows about its potential benefits.
A note about terminology: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was recently renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. Experts changed the name to better reflect how this complex condition can impact the hormones and metabolism throughout your body. Because PCOS may still be the more familiar term, we’ll continue to use both names throughout this article to refer to PMOS.
Can you take a GLP-1 if you have PCOS?
Yes, most people with PCOS (now called PMOS) can safely take oral and injectable GLP-1 medications. PMOS isn’t listed as a condition that prevents someone from safely taking a GLP-1 medication.
Conditions that may prevent someone from safely taking a GLP-1 medication include:
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
A history of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction, to GLP-1 medications
A history of pancreatitis or gastroparesis
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t take GLP-1s if you’re pregnant or nursing. If you’re planning to become pregnant, talk with your healthcare team before starting treatment. Most manufacturers recommend stopping GLP-1 medications at least 2 months before trying to conceive.
GLP-1 medications may also improve ovulation and fertility. This means you may be able to become pregnant even if you’ve had difficulty conceiving in the past.
If pregnancy isn’t part of your plan, talk with your healthcare team about contraception before starting a GLP-1 medication. Some GLP-1 medications can make oral contraceptive medications less effective. Your healthcare team can help you choose the GLP-1 medication and contraceptive combination that best fits your needs.
Can GLP-1s help with symptoms of PCOS?
Yes, research suggests that GLP-1 medications may improve some PMOS symptoms.
Studies have found that GLP-1 medications may help:
Promote weight loss: Several studies have shown that GLP-1 medications can lower body weight, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio.
Improve insulin resistance: GLP-1 medications can lower fasting insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which is one of the underlying hormone problems in PMOS.
Improve hormone levels: Some studies found that GLP-1 medications lowered testosterone levels, which may help improve symptoms like acne and excess hair growth.
Make periods more regular: Research suggests GLP-1 medications may help make menstrual cycles more regular.
Improve fertility: A recent review found that women taking GLP-1 medications were more likely to become pregnant than those receiving other types of PMOS treatment.
Most studies have been small and short-term, so it’s difficult to know whether GLP-1 medications provide lasting improvements in metabolic, reproductive, or cardiovascular health. Still, some expert guidelines recommend GLP-1 medications as part of a PMOS treatment plan.
Which GLP-1 is best for PCOS?
Right now, there isn’t enough evidence to say whether one GLP-1 medication is better for PMOS than another.
Most studies looking at the effects of GLP-1s on people with PMOS have used either liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) or semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy).
Researchers are also developing medications that combine a GLP-1 with estrogen. Early studies suggest these medications may improve both metabolic and reproductive symptoms of PMOS. But they haven’t been studied in clinical trials yet.
Are GLP-1s FDA-approved for PCOS?
No, GLP-1 medications aren’t FDA-approved to treat PMOS. But some healthcare professionals may prescribe a GLP-1 "off-label" to help manage PMOS.
Many people with PMOS also have Type 2 diabetes or are considered overweight or obese, which are FDA-approved uses for some GLP-1 medications. If you’re prescribed a GLP-1 for one of these conditions, you may also notice improvements in some PMOS symptoms.
Will insurance cover GLP-1s for PCOS?
Insurance typically won’t cover a GLP-1 medication to treat PMOS because these medications aren’t FDA-approved for this use.
But if you have PCOS and another FDA-approved condition, like Type 2 diabetes or a need for chronic weight management, your insurance may cover the medication for that approved use.
If your healthcare team believes a GLP-1 is medically appropriate for your PMOS, they may also submit a prior authorization or request coverage for off-label use. Approval varies by insurance plan, and coverage isn’t guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
It’s not clear why some people develop polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS (now called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome or PMOS). Research suggests that genetic and environmental factors play a role. But it’s not clear why some people exposed to these factors develop PMOS while others don’t.
It can be hard to tell if you have PMOS because not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Common symptoms of PMOS include:
Menstrual irregularities
Hair growth on your face, chest, belly, and upper thighs
Severe and persistent acnes
Difficulty getting pregnant
Talk to your healthcare team if you have any of these symptoms. They can help determine whether PMOS may be the cause.
It’s not clear why some people develop polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS (now called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome or PMOS). Research suggests that genetic and environmental factors play a role. But it’s not clear why some people exposed to these factors develop PMOS while others don’t.
It can be hard to tell if you have PMOS because not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Common symptoms of PMOS include:
Menstrual irregularities
Hair growth on your face, chest, belly, and upper thighs
Severe and persistent acnes
Difficulty getting pregnant
Talk to your healthcare team if you have any of these symptoms. They can help determine whether PMOS may be the cause.
The bottom line
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications aren’t FDA-approved to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), now called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). There’s some evidence that they may help improve some of the most challenging PMOS symptoms. This may be especially true for people who are considered overweight or obese or have Type 2 diabetes. While early research is promising, more studies are needed to understand the long-term role of GLP-1 medications in PMOS treatment. If you’re thinking about a GLP-1, your healthcare team can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your symptoms, pregnancy plans, and overall health.
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References
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