Are GLP-1s like Wegovy® or Ozempic® approved for PCOS or fertility?

No. They’re approved only for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, not for hormonal or fertility conditions.

Can GLP-1s help regulate menstrual cycles or hormone levels?

Possibly. Studies show that improving insulin sensitivity can lower testosterone and restore more regular cycles in women with PCOS.

Are GLP-1s safe to use while trying to get pregnant?

There isn’t enough evidence to say. Animal studies suggest potential risks, so manufacturers recommend stopping GLP-1s before conception.

Why are GLP-1s linked to fertility discussions now?

Because metabolism, insulin, and reproductive hormones are closely connected — and GLP-1s are uniquely effective at improving metabolic health. Scientists are investigating if that overlap could one day support fertility treatments, but we’re not there yet.

GLP-1s and Women’s Health: PCOS & Fertility | GLP Winner | GLP Winner

Why GLP-1s Are Suddenly Everywhere in Women’s Health

GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy®, Ozempic®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) were created to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss. But recently, many women have started wondering whether these same drugs could also help with PCOS, fertility, or hormonal balance.

It’s an understandable question. PCOS often comes with insulin resistance and weight changes, both of which can affect hormones and ovulation. Because GLP-1s work on those same systems, researchers are exploring whether they might help some women feel more balanced — or even make it easier to get pregnant.

The short answer? There’s promising early data, but it’s not the full story yet.

First, What GLP-1s Actually Do

Your body already makes a hormone called GLP-1 that helps manage blood sugar and appetite. These medications copy that natural hormone. They help the body release insulin when you eat, slow down digestion, and make you feel full sooner (NIH).

The FDA has approved GLP-1 medications only for diabetes and weight management — not for PCOS, fertility, or hormone therapy (FDA label).

Still, because GLP-1s improve insulin control and support weight loss, two big challenges for people with PCOS, scientists are watching closely.

What Studies Show for PCOS

A growing number of small studies suggest that GLP-1s may help women with PCOS in several ways. In one review of more than 1,600 women, researchers found these drugs improved insulin sensitivity, lowered testosterone, and helped periods become more regular (DMS Journal). Another study saw similar results, with women reporting more consistent cycles and better metabolic numbers after using a GLP-1 medication (BMC Endocrine Disorders).

Why might that matter? In PCOS, high insulin levels can drive the ovaries to make extra testosterone, which throws off menstrual cycles. By calming that insulin response, GLP-1s may help the body find a healthier rhythm again.

What About Fertility?

There’s early but encouraging evidence that GLP-1s could improve fertility in women who have PCOS and are overweight or insulin-resistant. One study found women taking exenatide, a type of GLP-1 drug, had higher natural pregnancy rates and more regular periods than women taking metformin (PMC).

That said, these were small studies lasting only a few months. They don’t tell us whether GLP-1s improve long-term fertility or pregnancy outcomes. No GLP-1 medication is approved by the FDA for fertility use, and experts agree more research is needed (AJOG).

GLP-1s and Hormones Beyond PCOS

Even for women without PCOS, weight and hormones are closely linked. When someone loses weight and improves insulin control, estrogen and progesterone often become more stable, which can help with symptoms like irregular periods.

Some researchers think GLP-1s might have small direct effects on reproductive organs, but those findings mostly come from animal studies (Springer Link). For now, what we know for sure is that GLP-1s help with the metabolic side of hormone balance — not necessarily the hormones themselves.

Safety, Pregnancy, and What the FDA Says

GLP-1s are not approved or recommended during pregnancy, and people planning to conceive should stop them first. The guidance is to discontinue semaglutide two months before trying and tirzepatide one month before (Drugs.com).

Animal studies have shown possible risks to fetal development, and because human data is limited, drug makers err on the side of caution (MotherToBaby).

It’s also worth knowing that some unapproved “compounded” GLP-1 products sold online or through social media are not reviewed by the FDA and can be unsafe (FDA.gov).

Always work with a licensed medical provider and use only medications from verified pharmacies.

The Bottom Line

GLP-1s can make a big difference for metabolic health — and that can, in turn, affect hormones, weight, and fertility. For people with PCOS, early research is promising, showing improvements in insulin levels and menstrual regularity.

But GLP-1s aren’t a fertility treatment. They’re powerful tools with still-unknown reproductive effects. Anyone considering them for PCOS or hormone balance should have a conversation with a healthcare professional who can look at the full picture — not just blood sugar or weight, but reproductive goals too.

If you enjoy posts like these, you can subscribe to receive newsletter updates.

GLP-1s and Women’s Health: What We Know About PCOS, Fertility, and Hormones

Why GLP-1s Are Suddenly Everywhere in Women’s Health

First, What GLP-1s Actually Do

What Studies Show for PCOS

What About Fertility?

GLP-1s and Hormones Beyond PCOS

Safety, Pregnancy, and What the FDA Says

The Bottom Line

Sources

Keep Reading

Pill Versions of GLP-1s: Are You Missing Out If You Skip the Needles?

What Happens When You Stop GLP-1 Therapy? (And How to Handle the Rebound)

Meal Planning When You’re Not Hungry on GLP-1s

Categories

Curated by