Multiple research studies have found that individuals using GLP-1 medications experienced greater weight loss, in addition to reductions in their insulin and testosterone levels.
Recent studies indicate that GLP-1 drugs, which are already commonly utilized for weight control, might also benefit women suffering from polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously recognized as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Initial research suggests that these medications may provide additional benefits beyond weight reduction, potentially enhancing insulin sensitivity, decreasing testosterone levels, and aiding in the return of regular menstrual cycles and ovulation. Nonetheless, researchers emphasize that the current evidence is still preliminary, and more extensive studies are required.
What the new study found
A research project led by Dr. Melanie Cree, the head of the PMOS clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado, investigated the impact of semaglutide on women diagnosed with PMOS. The results of this study were published in Fertility and Sterility in June 2026.
Out of the 11 women who completed the preliminary trial, eight lost approximately 10% of their body weight, with the median weight loss being about 42 pounds. Additionally, their median testosterone levels decreased by 52%.
Six participants reported having more regular menstrual cycles, while four began experiencing monthly periods. These results are significant as PMOS can influence both metabolic and reproductive health.
Dr. Cree has led three studies looking at GLP-1 medicines in women with PMOS. Across these studies, women taking GLP-1 medicines lost more weight than those in the control groups. Their testosterone, blood sugar and insulin levels also fell.
The studies examined different medicines and forms of treatment. One studied injectable semaglutide, another examined semaglutide tablets, and a third looked at exenatide injections.
Semaglutide belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medicines work in a way that mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone released by the gut after eating.
Why GLP-1 medicines may help PMOS
Insulin resistance is common among women with PMOS. This means the body’s cells do not respond to insulin as effectively as they should.
When insulin levels remain high, the excess insulin can affect the ovaries and encourage them to produce more testosterone. Higher testosterone levels can contribute to symptoms such as irregular or missed periods, severe acne and increased facial hair.
By improving insulin resistance and helping with weight loss, GLP-1 medicines may also help improve the hormonal imbalance associated with PMOS.
Other studies have reported similarly encouraging results. However, most of the studies so far have involved relatively small numbers of women. Some researchers believe the medicines have strong potential for addressing the metabolic problems linked to PMOS, while others say there is not yet enough evidence to know how effective they will be over the long term.
More research is now underway.
What is PMOS?
PMOS stands for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. It is the new name for what was previously called polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. The name was officially changed following a global consensus process in 2026 because the old name focused too heavily on the ovaries and the idea of cysts.
PMOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that affects about one in eight women worldwide, or more than 170 million women. It can affect the reproductive system, weight, metabolism, skin and other parts of the body.
Diagnosis can sometimes take years because its symptoms can overlap with other health problems.
PMOS also tends to run in families, and some women with the condition have excess weight. There is no single known cause or one treatment that works for everyone. Treatment usually focuses on managing individual symptoms. This can include birth control pills to regulate periods, along with diet, exercise and weight management.
Two important hormones involved in PMOS are insulin and testosterone. Insulin helps move blood sugar from the bloodstream into cells. Testosterone is also present naturally in women and plays a role in sexual desire, bone health and muscle mass.
When insulin levels become too high, it can stimulate the ovaries to produce more testosterone. This hormonal imbalance can lead to irregular periods, acne and increased facial hair.
GLP-1 treatment is promising but not yet proven
Doctors are already prescribing GLP-1 medicines off-label to some women with PMOS and reporting improvements. However, these medicines are not currently approved specifically as a treatment for PMOS, which can also make insurance coverage difficult.
The latest findings offer hope, particularly for women dealing with both metabolic problems and reproductive symptoms. But these early results should not be considered proof that GLP-1 medicines are a standard treatment for PMOS.
Larger and longer clinical trials will be needed to determine how safe and effective these medicines are for PMOS and whether they can consistently improve weight, insulin resistance, hormone levels, menstrual cycles and ovulation.
Women considering GLP-1 treatment for PMOS should discuss the potential benefits, risks and appropriate treatment options with their doctor.
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