Hormonal
GLP-1 receptor agonists (Liraglutide and Exenatide) significantly improve menstrual frequency and ovulation rates in overweight/obese women with PCOS, primarily through weight loss and insulin resistance reduction rather than direct ovarian stimulation.
For overweight women with PCOS struggling with irregular periods, GLP-1 agonists like Liraglutide or Exenatide (often combined with Metformin) are effective treatments. They improve menstrual regularity and ovulation rates significantly better than Metformin alone. The benefits are largely driven by weight loss and reduced insulin resistance, but may also involve direct hormonal regulation. Consult a doctor for dosing, as injections are required for current FDA-approved versions.
Significant improvements in BMI, abdominal circumference, total weight, markers of IR, and beneficial effects on glucolipid metabolism... Significant improvements in physical, psychological and social health were also reported... Both EXE and LIRA achieved significant increases in menstrual frequency and ovulation rates... The improvement in bleeding frequency was significantly associated with weight loss in some studies.
Why this rating
The paper is a review of multiple small, short-term clinical trials and preclinical studies; it explicitly notes limitations like small sample sizes and lack of long-term data.
Source
GLP-1 receptor agonists, polycystic ovary syndrome and reproductive dysfunction: Current research and future horizons
Georgios S. Papaetis et al. · Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine · 2022
DOI 10.17219/acem/151695
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