Ozempic® (semaglutide) for PCOS: A new approach to treatment

Medically reviewed by: Kristin Baier, MD

Roughly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age live with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The symptoms—including weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, fertility challenges, excessive hair growth, and fatigue—can feel like a constant uphill battle. 

For many women with PCOS, these day-to-day challenges are compounded by more significant underlying health concerns, including insulin resistance and an increased risk for type-2 diabetes.

Managing PCOS often feels like trying to solve a puzzle, where each piece—hormones, weight, insulin—has to fit together perfectly. Fortunately, medications like Ozempic® (semaglutide) and Wegovy® (semaglutide) are offering hope to women whose lives are affected by this condition, particularly when it comes to tackling weight loss and improving overall metabolic health.

Read on to learn how semaglutide—among other GLP-1 medications prescribed as part of the Calibrate program—can help address symptoms of PCOS, according to recent research. 

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What is PCOS? Symptoms to look out for 

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. The exact cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, but it is linked to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance, which can lead to a variety of physical and metabolic symptoms.

PCOS gets its name from the small, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) that often develop on the ovaries in women with this condition. However, not all women with PCOS have ovarian cysts, and the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.

Common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles: Many women with PCOS have infrequent or missed periods due to the hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation.
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight: PCOS can make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Insulin resistance is often at the root of this issue, leading to both weight gain and difficulty with weight loss.
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism): Increased levels of androgens (male hormones) can cause unwanted hair growth, particularly on the face, chest, and back.
• Acne and oily skin: Hormonal imbalances can lead to breakouts, especially along the jawline, chest, and back.
• Thinning hair or hair loss: In some women, PCOS causes thinning hair on the scalp, often mimicking male-pattern baldness.
• Fatigue: Many women with PCOS experience low energy levels and chronic fatigue. 
• Difficulty with fertility: PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, as the condition often prevents regular ovulation, making it harder to conceive.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a clinician. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms of PCOS and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. 

How GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® (semaglutide) can help PCOS 

Ozempic®, the brand name for semaglutide, is part of a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Others include Wegovy® (semaglutide), Trulicity® (dulaglutide), Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), and more. 

These medications have traditionally been prescribed to treat type-2 diabetes but, in recent years, they’ve been recognized for their potential to help with other metabolic conditions—including obesity and overweight, and even PCOS. 

PCOS often leads to insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to regulate blood glucose levels. This contributes to weight gain, hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 medications have been shown to improve insulin resistance and keep blood sugar under control, promoting weight loss and, oftentimes, improving other related symptoms of PCOS. 

Even a modest weight reduction can lead to more regular ovulation, healthier hormonal balance, and a decrease in troubling symptoms like unwanted hair growth and acne. 

Recent research on GLP-1s and PCOS

Recent research has increasingly focused on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, as potential treatments for managing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The findings are promising: See highlights from key studies performed between 2021-2023 below:

1. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine investigated the impact of semaglutide on women with PCOS who were unresponsive to lifestyle programs. The researchers found that semaglutide led to significant weight loss and improvements in metabolic markers for women with obesity and PCOS. Importantly, the study noted that semaglutide was particularly beneficial for patients who had previously failed to achieve weight loss through diet and exercise alone (Ganzevoort et al. 2023).
2. Supporting these findings, another recent review detailed the mechanisms by which semaglutide could serve as a treatment for obesity in women with PCOS. The authors concluded that semaglutide not only aids in losing weight, but also enhances glucose metabolism in women with PCOS, reducing the risk of long-term complications like type-2 diabetes (Memon et al. 2023).
3. Other research has focused on the use of a differet GLP-1 medication—liraglutide, brand names Victoza® and Saxenda®—which has also been explored in the context of PCOS. A meta-analysis published in 2021 examined the effectiveness and safety of liraglutide in overweight and obese women with PCOS and found that liraglutide significantly reduced body weight and improved insulin resistance in these patients (Tarantino et al. 2021).
4. A fourth study explored liraglutide’s potential to improve reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS undergoing IVF treatment. In this pilot randomized study, obese women with PCOS who had poor responses to first-line reproductive treatments were treated with liraglutide. The researchers found that women who took liraglutide had significantly higher pregnancy rates compared to those who did not. This suggests that GLP-1 medications may not only improve metabolic health but also support better fertility outcomes in women with PCOS (Escobar-Morreale et al. 2022).

Collectively, these studies underscore the potential of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and liraglutide in helping women with PCOS manage their weight, improve metabolic markers, and enhance reproductive outcomes. 

While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits, these medications represent a promising new approach to treating the complex symptoms of PCOS.

Navigating insurance: Will insurance cover Ozempic® for PCOS?

A common question we hear from prospective Calibrate members is, “will insurance cover Ozempic® for PCOS?” Since Ozempic® (semaglutide) is not specifically FDA-approved for PCOS, but rather for treating type-2 diabetes and obesity, it is considered an off-label treatment.

This can sometimes make insurance coverage tricky. However, many women with PCOS are able to get insurance coverage for Ozempic® if it’s shown to be medically necessary—particularly when managing insulin resistance or overweight/obesity that can lead to type-2 diabetes. In addition, Calibrate doctors can prescribe other GLP-1 medications that are FDA-indicated for the treatment of obesity and overweight, such as Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) where clinically appropriate. 

Working closely with your clinician and providing documentation of your medical needs can help improve your chances of insurance approval. As a Calibrate member, our Insurance Navigation Team will help you through this process—and your Calibrate clinician will factor insurance coverage into the decision-making process in terms of which GLP-1 medication to prescribe. 

Am I eligible for Calibrate? Take the quiz. 

Metformin vs. Ozempic® for PCOS

For years, metformin has been the go-to treatment for managing PCOS-related insulin resistance. It’s effective for many women, but it doesn’t always provide the weight loss benefits that are so critical for improving PCOS symptoms.

When comparing Ozempic® (semaglutide) and metformin for PCOS, it’s important to consider the differences:

• Weight loss: While metformin can help with weight management, Ozempic® (semaglutide) has been shown to promote more significant and sustained weight loss. This is key because losing weight helps reduce hormonal imbalances and improves menstrual regularity.
• Side effects: Both medications can cause side effects, especially gastrointestinal issues like nausea. However, many women find that after the initial adjustment period, they tolerate Ozempic® well. It’s worth discussing with your clinician which option may be best for your body and your health goals.

How the Calibrate program helps women with PCOS achieve lasting results

At Calibrate, we understand how complex and frustrating it can be to manage PCOS. That’s why our Metabolic Reset program goes beyond just prescribing medications like Ozempic® (semaglutide). We combine the power of GLP-1 medications with personalized lifestyle interventions that address the root causes of insulin resistance and weight gain in PCOS.

As demonstrated by the 2024 Calibrate Results Report, members who followed our comprehensive program saw an average weight loss of 16.2% at 12 months. More importantly, they experienced significant improvements in metabolic markers like insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides​. 

This kind of metabolic health improvement is essential for women with PCOS, aiding not only in weight loss but also in the management and reduction of other symptoms of the condition.

What sets Calibrate apart is our commitment to supporting you through every step of your journey. Our program provides one-on-one coaching and personalized guidance on how to improve your food habits, sleep, exercise, and emotional health. By addressing these pillars of health, we help you build the kind of sustainable habits that lead to long-term success in managing conditions like PCOS.

Ozempic® for PCOS: Key takeaways

If you’ve been struggling to manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and haven’t yet solved the puzzle of hormonal balance and symptom management, Ozempic® (semaglutide) may offer new hope. GLP-1 medications like semaglutide can help with insulin resistance, weight loss, and blood sugar control, making them an effective tool in managing the condition.

However, the best results come from pairing GLP-1 medications with comprehensive lifestyle interventions and ongoing support. At Calibrate, we understand how challenging living with PCOS can be, and our goal is to support you in achieving not only weight loss but also real, lasting improvements in your metabolic health.

If you’re considering Ozempic® for PCOS, talk to your clinician to see if it’s the right choice for you, and explore how Calibrate can help you achieve your long-term health goals.

Ready to take the first step? Join Calibrate today and start your journey to lasting metabolic health. 

Sources:

• Calibrate Health, Inc. "2024 Calibrate Results Report." Calibrate. Accessed September 29, 2024. https://www.joincalibrate.com.
• Davies, Melanie J., et al. "Semaglutide for weight management in patients with overweight or obesity." Nature Medicine 28, no. 1 (2022): 77-85.
• Escobar-Morreale, Héctor F., Ángela Martínez-García, Claudia Luque-Ramírez, and Esperanza García-Velasco. “Liraglutide Increases IVF Pregnancy Rates in Obese PCOS Women with Poor Response to First-Line Reproductive Treatments: A Pilot Randomized Study.” European Journal of Endocrinology 179, no. 1 (2022): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejendo/179.1.1.
• Ganzevoort, Patrick, Frank J. Snoek, Hildo J. Lambers Heerspink, Stephan J. L. Bakker, Dick de Zeeuw, and Hiddo J. L. Heerspink. “Semaglutide Treatment of Excessive Body Weight in Obese PCOS Patients Unresponsive to Lifestyle Programs.” Journal of Clinical Medicine 12, no. 18 (2023): 5921. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/18/5921.
• Memon, Ali, Wasif M. Khan, and Junaid Shaikh. “Semaglutide: A Potential Treatment of Obesity in PCOD Patients.” TechRxiv, September 18, 2023. https://www.techrxiv.org/doi/full/10.22541/au.169502404.44735603.
• Tarantino, Giovanni, Andrea Savastano, and Annamaria Colao. “The Effectiveness and Safety of Liraglutide in Treating Overweight/Obese Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Endocrinological Investigation 45 (2021): 255-68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-021-01666-6.
• Wild, Robert A. "Long-term health consequences of PCOS." Human Reproduction Update 8, no. 3 (2002): 231-241.