Can You Take Ozempic If You Have PCOS?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medication that’s FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. It helps to lower blood sugar, reduces the risk of heart and kidney disease, and promotes weight loss.  

Currently Ozempic is FDA approved for treating only Type 2 diabetes. But other possible uses for Ozempic are being researched — including treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

PCOS is a chronic condition that affects up to 13% of people with ovaries. PCOS causes symptoms like weight gain and insulin resistance. It’s linked to many health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and infertility. 

Standard treatments for PCOS focus on weight management and blood sugar control. But there are many things about PCOS that make managing these symptoms challenging. Could Ozempic be the solution? Here’s what the research shows about Ozempic and PCOS. 

Can you take Ozempic if you have PCOS?

Yes, it’s safe to take Ozempic if you have PCOS. If your primary care provider prescribes you Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes, having PCOS is not a reason to avoid the medication.

There are certain medical conditions that are contraindications for taking Ozempic, but PCOS is not one of them. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Best diet for PCOS: Certain foods can worsen symptoms for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while low glycemic foods rich in fiber and antioxidants can help regulate hormones and prevent health complications. 

• Ozempic and PCOS: This health coach shares her personal journey with PCOS, and how she lost 90 lbs over 2 years through diet, exercise, and medications. 

• Are there natural ways to treat PCOS? Our experts review nonprescription treatments for PCOS.

People shouldn’t use Ozempic if they have:  

• A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer

• A history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2

• Allergies to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in Ozempic

• A history of pancreatitis while taking Ozempic 

Can Ozempic help with symptoms of PCOS?

Yes, Ozempic may be able to help some of the symptoms and health risks common in PCOS.

Many of the things that Ozempic is proven to treat in people with diabetes are common in people with PCOS. 

Here are some symptoms of PCOS that may improve with Ozempic. 

Weight gain

Having a larger body size is both a symptom and a risk factor for health risks linked to PCOS. Reducing weight by as little as 5% can have a meaningful impact on PCOS symptoms like hormone regulation and menstrual health. 

But losing weight can be difficult for people with PCOS to achieve through diet and exercise alone. Ozempic may be another helpful tool. That’s because most people who take Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes experience weight loss as a side effect. In clinical trials, people taking Ozempic lost an average of 14 lbs over 40 weeks. 

Currently Ozempic is approved for treating only Type 2 diabetes, but other medications in the same class, like Wegovy and Saxenda, are being used for weight management in people who don’t have diabetes. 

Insulin resistance

Up to 80% of people with PCOS have insulin resistance, which is when cells in the body don’t respond well to insulin. Insulin resistance leads to higher blood sugar levels, and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and infertility. 

People with PCOS are often advised to try lifestyle changes and medications like metformin to help regulate blood sugar levels and treat insulin resistance. But there may be a role for Ozempic in improving insulin resistance in people with PCOS. When used to treat Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic improves blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. 

Infertility

PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in people capable of pregnancy. Up to 80% of people with PCOS have fertility issues. There are many factors that likely contribute to PCOS-related infertility including increased body size, insulin resistance, and menstrual cycle irregularities. Ozempic may be able to help with some of these factors.

In fact, people report having “Ozempic babies” — unplanned pregnancies while taking medications like Ozempic. The exact link between fertility and Ozempic is still being researched, but weight loss and restoring normal menstrual cycles are thought to play a large role. There’s also evidence that Ozempic can have a positive effect on the endometrium (lining of the uterus). 

While some data show that Ozempic may help fertility, it’s important to keep in mind that its effects on fetal development aren’t well known. It’s recommended to stop taking semaglutide 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.

Can Ozempic treat PCOS?

Maybe. Ozempic isn’t currently approved to treat PCOS. But early research is promising.

A small study looked at the effects of Ozempic on people with PCOS who had a BMI over 30 and weren’t able to change their body size with diet and exercise. After 3 months of taking Ozempic, all participants had improvement in insulin resistance and most of them (nearly 80%) had at least a 5% reduction in body weight. After 6 months, the majority of participants saw improvement in menstrual cycle regularity. Another study found that 16 weeks of treatment with Ozempic helped people with PCOS lower their BMI and waist circumference.

More clinical trials are underway to better understand how Ozempic can be used to treat PCOS. Studies are investigating whether Ozempic can help people with PCOS improve:

• Weight management 

• Metabolic issues and fertility

• Ovulation regularity

Is Ozempic approved to treat PCOS?

No, Ozempic isn’t FDA approved to treat PCOS. But it can be prescribed off-label for PCOS treatment. Some prescribers are using Ozempic off-label to help their patients manage PCOS symptoms. 

Will insurance cover Ozempic for PCOS?

No, insurance will not cover Ozempic for treatment of PCOS. Most insurance plans will only cover Ozempic if it’s being prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. 

If you have Type 2 diabetes and PCOS, your insurance may cover the costs. Savings cards are available for those with commercial or private insurance. Or you may also be able to get Ozempic at no cost through NovoCare’s Patient Assistance Program. There are certain income, insurance, and residence requirements, but it’s a helpful option if you qualify.

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Written by:

Ashley Rawlins, PT, DPT

With over a decade of experience as a physical therapist, Ashley has established herself as a specialist in pelvic health. Her diverse career spans clinical practice, academia, and health content creation.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

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