Tag: pcos treatment

Can GLP-1s like Ozempic or Mounjaro help with PCOS? Our experts explain how they work, safety rules before pregnancy, and what to know about long-term use. Thank you to everyone who joined our recent webinar, “GLP-1 RAs: The PCOS Game Changer?”with Dr. Helen O’Neill and Dr. Paul Hardiman. The overwhelming response (over 600 attendees) confirmed the critical need for transparent, evidence-based information regarding these new therapies and their role in managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. We know the session generated significant interest and, crucially, many complex questions about everything from long-term safety and fertility planning to navigating the NHS and finding effective alternatives. This document serves as our expert-synthesised FAQ, acting as a crucial next step in your journey. It consolidates the questions we received into a concise, actionable resource. This FAQ will help you understand: By providing these clinically-vetted answers, we aim to empower you to have confident, informed conversations with your own healthcare providers, ensuring your PCOS management pathway is truly personalised and effective. Understanding PCOS and How GLP-1 Medications Fit In What does an irregular period mean in PCOS? According to the 2023 International Evidence-Based Guidelines (Teede et al., 2023), for women 3 years post-menarche up to the perimenopause stage, irregular menstrual cycles are defined as: OR Does everyone with PCOS have insulin resistance, even if my test results (such as glucose) have always been negative? No, not everyone with PCOS has insulin resistance (IR), but it is a critical part of the syndrome’s pathogenesis, documented in approximately 75% of women with PCOS (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).It is important to know that in the early stages of IR, standard tests like fasting glucose or HbA1c may appear normal because the pancreas is compensating by overproducing insulin (hyperinsulinemia). Therefore, monitoring glucose levels alone will not reliably detect the onset of IR. If my BMI is within the normal range (lean PCOS), would GLP-1 RAs still help with my symptoms (like skin, mood, or central adiposity)? Yes, GLP-1 RAs primarily target insulin sensitivity, which is thought to be a core driver of the syndrome, not just weight loss. Preclinical studies indicate that GLP-1 RAs can directly improve reproductive endocrinopathy by reversing high Luteinising Hormone (LH) levels and reducing serum testosterone and the Free Androgen Index (FAI) (Bednarz et al., 2022). These hormonal improvements offer a potential treatment strategy to manage hyperandrogenism-related symptoms regardless of BMI. What are the non-pill treatment options for managing acne and irregular periods in women with lean PCOS? For women with a normal BMI who wish to avoid the contraceptive pill, management focuses on lifestyle and targeted therapies: Ensure you consult a doctor or sexual health specialist before taking any supplements, vitamins or starting new treatments.  . At Hertility, we provide diagnostic testing with clinical grade results into your hormonal health. Get actionable insights into your reproductive health and egg count, and screen for up to 18 conditions such as PCOS. Receive in-depth insights, a comprehensive Doctor-written report, a clinically recommended Care Plan, and a complimentary Clinical Result Review Call. My GP is reluctant to diagnose or treat me for PCOS; what steps can I take to get appropriate care? PCOS diagnosis in the UK is guided by International Evidence-based Guidelines, typically using the Rotterdam Criteria (2 out of 3 features: irregular periods, hyperandrogenism, or polycystic ovarian morphology) (NICE, 2025; Teede et al., 2023). If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, ensure you have documented evidence of your symptoms (irregular periods, clinical signs like acne or hirsutism, and any relevant blood test or ultrasound reports). The Hertility Advanced Hormone & Fertility Test is a diagnostic test with clinical grade results into your hormonal health. Get actionable insights into your reproductive health and egg count, and screen for up to 18 conditions such as PCOS. Receive in-depth insights, a comprehensive Doctor-written report, a clinically recommended Care Plan, and a complimentary Clinical Result Review Call. We also provide fast referrals to leading UK private fertility clinics and treatment centres for comprehensive onward care. GLP-1 for PCOS: Safety, Effectiveness and Long-Term Use If I achieve my weight and symptom goals on a GLP-1 RA, will I regain the weight and symptoms if I stop taking it? Is this medication necessary long-term? GLP-1 RAs should generally be viewed as a long-term management strategy for a chronic metabolic condition. Clinical data does indicate a considerable likelihood of weight regain upon cessation, with weight often returning toward the pre-treatment baseline within about a year (Budini et al., 2025). However, the outlook is not universally negative; some evidence suggests that more than half of patients are able to maintain the achieved weight loss one year after discontinuing the medication (Szczesnowicz et al., 2023). Are there any known long-term health risks associated with taking GLP-1 RAs? While GLP-1 RAs are generally well-tolerated, rare but serious adverse events can occur, including acute pancreatitis and gallbladder issues (Szczesnowicz et al., 2023). Furthermore, long-term safety, particularly regarding combination therapy (e.g. with Metformin) in women with PCOS is an area that requires further research. It is crucial to obtain these prescriptions only from a doctor and fill them at a pharmacy, as unapproved or compounded versions have not been reviewed for safety or quality. If hair loss or fatigue occurs while taking a GLP-1 RA, what steps or supplements can help manage these side effects? Hair thinning or increased shedding (telogen effluvium) reported while on GLP-1 RAs is typically considered temporary and is usually attributed to the physiological stress of rapid weight loss or significant dietary changes, rather than the drug itself (Healthline, 2025). Management involves consulting your healthcare provider to assess your overall health and ensuring adequate nutritional intake, as inadequate consumption of key vitamins and minerals can impede the hair growth cycle. Vitamin D, iron and zinc are common deficiencies that can cause hair loss, but ensure you contact your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.  Through targeted dietary and lifestyle advice, Hertility works alongside you to help manage your symptoms of PCOS or help you […]