CureusDec 16, 2024

Potential Benefits of GLP-1 Receptor Drugs for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 20, 2026

Abstract

GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in patients with PCOS.

Treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists is linked to improvements in insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.
The review included 11 articles focusing on randomized trials of GLP-1 RAs for managing PCOS symptoms.
Diverse patient presentations and treatment approaches complicate understanding of the exact mechanisms and long-term effects of GLP-1 RAs.
Findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits of GLP-1 agonists in addressing metabolic and reproductive issues related to PCOS.

Simplified

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is characterized by hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and reproductive dysfunctions. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are primarily used in diabetes management to enhance insulin release by stimulating GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas. The search strategy included randomized trials on the management of PCOS symptoms with GLP-1 RAs alone or in combination with other medications; meta-analyses, literature reviews, or case reports were excluded. This scoping review focuses on 11 articles to explore the therapeutic potential of GLP-1 RAs in PCOS patients. The results show significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, alongside improvements in insulin sensitivity in PCOS patients treated with GLP-1 agonists. However, the diverse presentation of patients and treatment approaches was a challenge in understanding the exact mechanisms, long-term effects, and safety profiles of GLP-1 RAs in PCOS patients. This study investigates the promising potential of GLP-1 agonists in managing PCOS-related metabolic and reproductive disturbances.

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Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

PubMed

Potential Benefits of GLP-1 Receptor Drugs for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

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Competing interests

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Abstract

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Funding

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Related papers

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

What Lands in Your Inbox Each Week:

Recent issues from the glp-1 therapies brief