GLP-1 Drugs and PCOS: Researchers Investigate Possible Metabolic and Reproductive Benefits - Video

Could popular weight-loss medications help women with PCOS regulate their periods and improve reproductive health? A new scientific review suggests that GLP-1-based medications, including semaglutide and liraglutide, may offer benefits beyond weight loss by improving certain hormonal and reproductive abnormalities associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Published in the journal Cureus, the scoping review conducted by researchers at Nova Southeastern University in the United States examined the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on menstrual health, ovulation, fertility and reproductive hormones in women with PCOS.

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder associated with irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, insulin resistance and obesity.

Researchers screened 1,416 scientific records and included 28 studies evaluating GLP-1-based treatments, particularly liraglutide, exenatide and semaglutide.

The findings revealed that several studies reported improvements in menstrual regularity, particularly among women who experienced significant weight loss during treatment.

Importantly, reductions in elevated androgen levels were among the most consistent findings.

Researchers observed decreases in testosterone and other androgen-related markers, alongside increases in sex hormone-binding globulin, a protein that helps regulate circulating sex hormones.

Some studies also reported improvements in ovulation, particularly when GLP-1 medications were combined with metformin.

A small randomised pilot trial involving 28 women found higher pregnancy rates during subsequent IVF treatment among those who received liraglutide combined with metformin before conception, compared with metformin alone.

However, evidence supporting improvements in fertility and pregnancy outcomes remains limited.

Researchers cautioned that it remains unclear whether reproductive improvements result directly from GLP-1 treatment or indirectly from weight loss and improved metabolic health.

The review also did not establish the safety of these medications during pregnancy, and current guidance recommends discontinuing them before planned conception.