Improving insulin sensitivity
Approximately 50-80% of PCOS patients have insulin resistance. This is where your cells don’t respond well to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels, which could lead to type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy (semaglutide) was originally designed as a diabetes treatment. It mimics the hormone GLP-1 in your body, which stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also delays stomach emptying, which prevents blood sugar from spiking after a meal.
The main driving force behind insulin resistance is inflammation of adipose (fat) tissues. Wegovy can suppress this inflammation, enhancing insulin sensitivity. Additionally, losing weight can improve overall insulin resistance.
Wegovy’s effects on insulin resistance were shown in a study where PCOS patients using semaglutide had lower blood sugar levels and significantly improved insulin sensitivity compared to the placebo group. However, not all studies reported an improvement in insulin sensitivity in obese women with PCOS, as it can vary based on individual responses.
Additional benefits of improving insulin resistance include lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Weight management
At least 50% of people with PCOS also have obesity. This puts them at a higher risk of developing sleep apnoea, heart disease and diabetes, and can worsen the symptoms of PCOS. Those with PCOS and obesity who find it hard to lose weight may find it easier with Wegovy. It can help you feel fuller for longer after eating, which helps with weight loss.
For women with PCOS who've struggled to lose weight with lifestyle changes alone, Wegovy has shown to be an effective treatment. After taking 0.5mg of semaglutide for six months, they lost a mean body weight of 11.5kg. They also saw improvements in their blood glucose levels and menstrual cycle.
Moving your BMI closer to the ‘healthy’ range can also decrease your risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, and improve fertility.
Hormone regulation
Hormonal imbalance is a key characteristic of PCOS—in particular, high levels of androgens such as testosterone. This can cause acne, hirsutism, ovarian cysts and irregular periods.
GLP-1 RAs, though, may help regulate androgen levels. In one study, women with PCOS using liraglutide (another GLP-1 RA) were found to have reduced androgen levels by the end of the trial.
Regulating your hormones can also make it easier to lose weight and improve fertility.
