Ozempic for PCOS: Can this diabetes drug help manage polycystic ovary syndrome?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a sort 2 diabetes drugs that has been within the information for serving to folks reduce weight as properly. It’s also being utilized by some for treating different situations, together with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS. The anti-diabetes drug isn’t Meals and Drug Administration-approved particularly for this hormonal dysfunction, so its use on this context is taken into account off-label. It’s also not a fertility remedy, however it could assist ladies with PCOS in managing a few of its signs. However earlier than utilizing Ozempic for PCOS remedy, seek the advice of your physician and know every thing about it.

What’s Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal dysfunction affecting many ladies worldwide. About 8 to 13 p.c of ladies who’re within the reproductive stage are affected by PCOS, based on the World Well being Group. “It’s characterised by an imbalance of hormones, significantly androgens, that are the male hormones that may disrupt the conventional ovulation course of,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Pooja C Thukral.

Ladies with this situation are likely to have insulin resistance, the place the physique’s cells don’t reply to insulin correctly. “This could result in greater ranges of insulin that may trigger the ovaries to provide extra androgens, making the signs worse,” shares the professional. It usually results in signs like irregular intervals, weight achieve, insulin resistance, and issue with fertility.

Can you utilize Ozempic for PCOS remedy?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is particularly utilized by folks with kind 2 diabetes, however isn’t permitted by the Meals and Drug Administration for PCOS remedy. The drug improves blood sugar management in adults with kind 2 diabetes mellitus when used together with a nutritious diet and train, based on the Meals and Drug Administration. Listed here are a few of the advantages of utilizing Ozempic for PCOS:

1. Could enhance insulin sensitivity

Many individuals with PCOS expertise insulin resistance, the place the physique’s cells turn out to be much less attentive to insulin. The drug can enhance insulin sensitivity in folks with PCOS, based on analysis printed in Biomedicines in 2022. “The diabetes drugs might assist the physique reply extra successfully to insulin, and result in management of blood sugar in a greater means,” says the professional. That is helpful for folks with insulin resistance and PCOS, as excessive insulin ranges can worsen hormonal imbalances and improve androgen ranges, aggravating PCOS signs like zits, irregular intervals, and hair progress.

2. Promotes weight reduction

Managing weight is usually seen as a problem by these with PCOS, as insulin resistance could make weight reduction harder. A 2023 research printed within the Journal Of Scientific Medication confirmed that remedy with Ozempic considerably decreased physique weight in nearly 80 p.c of overweight contributors with PCOS. “The drug works by slowing gastric emptying and decreasing urge for food, serving to to curb meals consumption and promote weight reduction,” says the professional.

3. Regulates hormones

By addressing insulin resistance and aiding in weight administration, Ozempic for PCOS remedy might appear to be a good suggestion. It could additionally not directly assist regulate hormones, which might result in a discount in some PCOS signs. “Improved insulin ranges might help cut back androgen manufacturing, which can alleviate signs, together with extreme hair progress over time,” says Dr Thukral.

4. Could assist with fertility difficulty

Even reasonable weight reduction in folks with PCOS can enhance signs by restoring ovulation, and regulating intervals. Since Ozempic might help to cut back weight, it could improve your probabilities of getting pregnant. Throughout a 2018 research printed in Reproductive Biology And Endocrinology, the danger of infertility was discovered to be thrice greater in overweight ladies than in those that had wholesome weight.

PCOS is a posh dysfunction that varies broadly amongst ladies, so Ozempic is unlikely to deal with each symptom. “Way of life modifications resembling following a balanced weight loss program, recurrently exercising, and managing stress stay important for managing PCOS. For some, including dietary supplements or medicines particularly designed to deal with hormonal imbalance might also be crucial,” says the professional.

What are the unwanted effects of utilizing Ozempic for PCOS remedy?

Chances are you’ll think about using Ozempic for PCOS remedy, however learn about its potential unwanted effects:

1. Gastrointestinal points

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are frequent unwanted effects, particularly whereas beginning Ozempic for PCOS remedy. “These signs usually lower over time, however beginning with a low dose (0.25 mg as soon as weekly for the primary 4 weeks), and steadily growing it could assist,” says the professional.

2. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Though much less frequent in these with out diabetes, hypoglycemia can happen, particularly if Ozempic for PCOS remedy is mixed with different medicines affecting blood sugar. Common monitoring and consuming balanced meals might help mitigate this threat.

3. Fatigue and dizziness

Folks utilizing Ozempic for PCOS remedy might really feel drained or light-headed. These unwanted effects could also be significantly frequent within the first few weeks. “Staying hydrated, getting some relaxation, and avoiding sudden actions might help handle these signs,” says the professional.

Ozempic for PCOS remedy might present promise, however it isn’t FDA-approved particularly for this situation. The drug for kind 2 diabetes will not be appropriate for everybody, particularly given its doable unwanted effects, which embody nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Anybody contemplating Ozempic for PCOS remedy ought to work carefully with their physician to guage if it’s protected and acceptable for his or her particular well being wants.