Ozempic, or semaglutide, is an anti-diabetic medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, people have recognised its effectiveness in reducing weight, especially in obese people. Additionally, reports suggest Ozempic can also prove beneficial for people with PCOS, a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) occurs due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While its exact cause is unknown, hormonal imbalances, particularly in androgen, or the male hormone, and insulin levels play a significant role. This is why Ozempic’s potential for managing PCOS symptoms is currently being explored, even though it’s not yet an approved treatment.
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How Does Semaglutide, Like Ozempic, Work?
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Kashish Gupta, Consultant Endocrinology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, shares, "Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. It slows down digestion, reduces appetite, and stimulates insulin release while suppressing glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar)."
According to the doctor, its primary use is for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss in overweight or obese individuals, often helping to improve blood sugar control and support long-term weight management.
Can Ozempic Help PCOS Patients?
Dr Gupta says, "Semaglutide can potentially help patients with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), especially those struggling with insulin resistance and obesity, two common issues in PCOS... Some studies and clinical experiences suggest that Ozempic may help reduce weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and possibly regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS. These benefits can indirectly support hormonal balance and fertility, though individual results may vary. In some cases, patients have also reported improved energy levels and better overall quality of life as their symptoms became more manageable."
However, the weight loss drug, or the anti-diabetic medication, is not a first-line treatment, the doctor emphasised.
Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved semaglutide under three different names — Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus® — each designed for a specific health condition, with its formulation and dosage.
According to StatPearls Publishing, Ozempic helps manage blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes, Wegovy supports weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, and Rybelsus offers a convenient oral option for diabetes control.
Because of these differences and growing interest in its off-label use for conditions like PCOS, it's really important to work closely with a clinician to make sure you’re getting the safest and most appropriate treatment for your health needs.
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Side Effects Of Using Ozempic
According to Dr Gupta, the side effects for PCOS patients are generally similar to those experienced by others using Ozempic. These may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Rare but serious risks include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder issues
- Thyroid tumours in rare cases
Dr Gupta says that it’s important for PCOS patients to use this medication under medical supervision, especially if they have other health conditions. “In addition, nutritional deficiencies may occur with prolonged use due to reduced food intake—this may include vitamin B12, iron, and protein deficiencies.”
Note that Ozempic is not recommended during pregnancy or for those actively trying to conceive; it should be discontinued at least two months before planned conception, she highlighted.
Medical Supervision Is Key
“Ozempic is not FDA-approved specifically for PCOS,” Dr Gupta reiterates, adding that its use in PCOS is considered off-label, meaning it may be prescribed by doctors based on their clinical judgement when they believe it can benefit a patient’s condition, particularly in managing weight and insulin resistance.
What PCOS Treatment Really Includes
PCOS treatment usually focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications in the long run. Lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, fertility treatments are advised.
When asked how Ozempic compares to medications like Metformin in treating PCOS, Dr Gupta says, "Metformin is traditionally used as a first-line treatment in PCOS to address insulin resistance. Ozempic, while not a replacement, may offer greater weight loss and improved glucose control in some patients."
She adds that in certain cases, a combination of both drugs may be used. However, metformin is more established and generally better tolerated, while Ozempic is considered when a stronger intervention is needed, especially for obesity.
Conclusion
While Ozempic may help ease some PCOS symptoms, especially in women struggling with weight and insulin resistance, it’s not approved by authorities as a substitute for standard treatments. Its use for PCOS is considered off-label and should be closely supervised by a doctor who can weigh its benefits against potential side effects. Lifestyle tweaks, medications, and, in some cases, fertility treatments remain the main way forward, with Ozempic offering additional support when needed.