PCOS: Can Ozempic help alleviate symptoms?
Written in association with:
Obstetrician - gynaecologist
Published: 29/05/2024
Edited by: Conor Dunworth
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) impacts roughly one in ten women in the UK. However, this hormonal disorder is frequently undiagnosed and many people who suffer from the condition don’t know they have it. In her latest online article, renowned consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Shazia Malik explains how weight loss drugs like Ozempic could help alleviate symptoms of this condition.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
PCOS can typically result in:
Irregular menstruation Weight gain Acne Elevated androgen levels (male hormones) Polycystic ovaries - the ovaries become enlarged and contain fluid-filled sacs. These sacs are immature follicles, often incapable of releasing an egg, leading to missed periods.
While the exact cause is unknown, PCOS often runs in families and is linked to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including elevated insulin levels.
Due to poor diagnosis rates and limited resources, many women with PCOS seek alternative methods to manage their symptoms. Millions of TikTok videos from PCOS sufferers seek community support and answers, with numerous doctors offering advice on the platform.
Recently, PCOS sufferers have been questioning whether weight loss drugs like Ozempic could alleviate their symptoms, particularly after researchers found that the medication might reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. As Ozempic gains popularity in Hollywood, we consult medical experts to explore its potential benefits for PCOS patients.
What is Ozempic, and can it assist with PCOS?
Ozempic is a drug used for managing diabetes. The medication "mimics" the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Ozempic is primarily used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by:
Stimulating insulin secretion Reducing glucagon secretion (a hormone that increases blood sugar) Slowing gastric emptying Helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
This is particularly relevant for PCOS sufferers, who often experience insulin resistance as a significant part of their condition.
How are insulin resistance and PCOS related?
In women with PCOS, insulin resistance is frequently a crucial factor in the development and progression of the condition. Insulin resistance can lead to elevated insulin levels, which can then stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, worsening the symptoms of PCOS. By enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin levels, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic may help alleviate some symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular periods and excessive hair growth."
Ozempic has also been shown to aid weight loss, which can be beneficial for people with PCOS by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering androgen levels. Dr Shazia Malik, a consultant OBGYN and UK Medical Director at a leading gynaecological health company and virtual women's health clinic Daye, concurs. She states there is "early evidence" that Ozempic can help with PCOS symptoms, primarily by targeting excess weight and insulin resistance.
Ozempic appears to hold potential for enhancing PCOS symptoms and overall metabolic health in patients. Some women have reported that Ozempic helps in regulating their menstrual cycles. However, more studies are necessary to comprehensively understand the drug's effects.
It's important to highlight that Ozempic has not received FDA or MHRA approval for treating PCOS. Nevertheless, managing weight is essential for PCOS management. Around 70% of individuals with PCOS who are obese or overweight experience reduced insulin sensitivity, contributing to weight gain and challenges in losing weight.
By addressing these underlying issues, Ozempic may help improve symptoms associated with PCOS and increase the chances of ovulation and fertility. While Ozempic may hold promise for women with PCOS, it is important to be aware of potential side effects.
Dr Shazia Malik is an esteemed consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist based in London, with more than 30 years of experience. If you would like to book a consultation with Dr Malik, you can do so today via his Top Doctors.