Wegovy^® and PCOS: A Possible Treatment Option

Many women struggling with PCOS weight gain are finding hope in weight loss drugs like Wegovy^®. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition. It can cause irregular periods, acne, insulin resistance, and weight gain. It can also make it difficult to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.

This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when your doctor tells you your PCOS symptoms will improve with weight loss. Talk about a catch-22.

GLP-1 weight loss medications like Wegovy^® are emerging as a possible tool for managing PCOS symptoms like weight gain, insulin resistance, and even menstrual irregularities. Wegovy^® is not FDA-approved to treat PCOS, but healthcare providers can prescribe it off-label for this purpose.

Wegovy^® contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic^® (semaglutide), but it’s FDA-approved to treat obesity and overweight (with a weight-related health condition).

Wondering about Wegovy^® and PCOS? Read on to find out what we know so far about how Wegovy^® might support those living with PCOS — and other treatment options worth considering.

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions, affecting up to 20 percent of women of reproductive age in the United States. It’s characterized by a hormonal imbalance that can disrupt ovulation and lead to a number of challenging symptoms, including weight gain that doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes like a reduced-calorie diet or exercise.

While the exact cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, it’s believed to involve a mix of genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.

Insulin resistance and elevated androgen (male sex hormone) levels, such as testosterone, are common in women with PCOS. Hormones play a major role in how the condition manifests and affects metabolism.

Common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular periods. This can include missed periods, infrequent cycles, or prolonged bleeding due to disrupted ovulation.

• Signs of high androgens. Excess facial or body hair (called hirsutism), acne, and scalp hair thinning can be linked to increased testosterone.

• Weight gain. Unintentional weight gain — especially around the abdomen — is very common. More than half of those with PCOS have overweight or obesity.

• Insulin resistance. PCOS can reduce your sensitivity to insulin, which can cause energy crashes, persistent hunger, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Fertility challenges. PCOS is one of the leading causes of ovulatory infertility, which is usually because of skipped or inconsistent ovulation.

• Skin changes. Dark patches of skin (called acanthosis nigricans) often appear around the neck, underarms, or groin. Skin tags may also develop.

PCOS-related weight gain is by no means a reflection of willpower. The hormonal disorder can actively work against weight loss efforts, which is why tools like Wegovy^® may hold some promise.

Wegovy^® is FDA-approved to treat obesity and overweight (with a weight-related health condition). If you’ve struggled to lose weight with PCOS, Wegovy^® may be able to help you lose weight and keep it off.

It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a medication in the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist class. Wegovy^® works by binding to receptors involved in appetite regulation, helping you to eat less. It also slows the speed at which food moves through the stomach, helping you to feel full longer.

The criteria health providers consider when prescribing Wegovy^® can vary. But typically, they’ll look for factors like a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above or 27 or higher with the presence of weight-related health conditions, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• High cholesterol

• Sleep apnea

Some healthcare providers consider PCOS a weight-related condition.

Early research suggests that semaglutide could support improvements in:

• Insulin sensitivity

• Menstrual regularity

• Ovulation

• Weight management

This could be because insulin resistance and excess weight often make PCOS symptoms worse. So, medications like Wegovy^® may offer a more targeted approach to managing the condition’s underlying drivers — not just the symptoms.

That said, there are currently no medications officially approved by the FDA to treat PCOS itself. Many treatments — including birth control pills, anti-androgens, insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin, and fertility medications — are used off-label to treat PCOS. (Off-label just means that your provider prescribed a medication for something other than what it was FDA-approved to treat.)

PCOS and Wegovy^® Studies: What the Research Says

Wegovy^® isn’t specifically FDA-approved for PCOS. But a growing body of research suggests that GLP-1 medications like semaglutide may help address several of its symptoms, particularly those tied to weight, hormones, and metabolism.

For example, in a 68-week Wegovy^® clinical trial, participants lost up to 20 percent of their body weight. Participants also made lifestyle changes like eating a reduced-calorie diet and exercising. The trial didn’t specify whether the participants had PCOS, but the weight loss results are still encouraging.

In another clinical study, women with PCOS who hadn’t achieved weight loss through lifestyle changes were given weekly semaglutide injections (0.5 milligrams).

After just three months of treatment, participants lost an average of about 15 pounds, with few reported side effects. Around 80 percent of the women experienced at least a five percent reduction in body weight.

Weight Loss as Part of PCOS Treatment

This kind of weight loss can make a real difference for people with PCOS. Losing five to 15 percent of your body weight has been shown to:

• Help regulate periods

• Improve insulin sensitivity

• Support ovulation

If you’re trying to get pregnant and have obesity, a 10 percent weight loss is often recommended to help improve fertility.

There’s also some promising research around combining GLP-1 medications like semaglutide with metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes drug that’s also used off-label for PCOS. The combination may offer synergistic effects on regulating blood sugar levels and hormone balance.

Still, more large-scale studies are needed before Wegovy^® can be widely recommended for PCOS. But early findings suggest it could be a valuable tool for folks with PCOS who’ve struggled with traditional weight management strategies.

Wegovy^® Dose for PCOS Treatment

Since Wegovy^® isn’t FDA-approved specifically for PCOS, there are no standardized dosage guidelines for that use. Your prescribing provider will determine the best dosage based on your weight loss goals and overall health needs.

“At this time, we treat PCOS as a condition associated with your weight, and start with standard Wegovy^® dosing until you’ve lost enough weight to successfully treat your PCOS,” explains Craig Primack, MD, a physician specializing in obesity medicine and Senior Vice President of Weight Loss at Hims & Hers.

For context, the Wegovy^® starting dose is typically 0.25 milligrams, and the maximum dose is 2.4 milligrams. The Wegovy^® dose (for PCOS or otherwise) is typically increased every four weeks until you reach a long-term, maintenance-level dose.

How Long Does It Take for Wegovy^® to Work for PCOS?

If you’re wondering how quickly Wegovy^® works for weight loss, it really depends on the person. The medication reaches peak concentration in the body within one to three days of a dose. You may notice changes in your appetite within the first few days or weeks of starting treatment, but weight loss will take some time.

Though there aren’t any studies on how long it takes Wegovy^® to work in folks with PCOS, one Wegovy^® trial found that participants lost an average of over two percent of their body weight after a month.

By about three and a half months, they’d lost an average of nearly eight percent of their body weight. By week 68, participants had lost, on average, over 34 pounds on Wegovy^®.

It’s worth emphasizing that the trial participants didn’t necessarily have PCOS, and they were also encouraged to make healthy lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet with more nutritious foods and getting more physical activity.

Whether you’re taking Wegovy^® for weight loss, PCOS, or both, side effects can include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Constipation

• Stomach pain

If you experience any of these worrying side effects, reach out to your healthcare provider. They might prescribe or recommend treatment to help manage side effects like nausea and vomiting, or they may consider changing your dosing schedule.

So, does Wegovy^® help with PCOS? The early research is promising, particularly for those struggling with weight and insulin resistance.

But other options are available to help with weight loss. And even if medication is part of your treatment plan, lifestyle remains the foundation for long-term success.

At Hers, we believe in a holistic approach to PCOS and weight management — one that includes thoughtful nutrition, movement, sleep, and support from medication when appropriate. When you get Wegovy^® through the Hers platform, you get access to a suite of supportive tools and services to help you on your weight loss journey. On the Hers app, you’ll find:

• Dynamic protocols to help improve nutrition, movement, and sleep-based habits for sustained weight loss

• In-app sleep and mindset techniques developed by psychologists to help improve sleep quality

• Daily protein recommendations to help maintain muscle mass while taking medication

• Daily activity goals to achieve regular movement while taking medication

• 100+ healthy recipes and meal plans developed with nutritionists

• Healthy eating tips tailored to your unique eating pattern (like emotional eating or automatic eating)

Here are more ways to support weight loss for those with polycystic ovary syndrome.

1. Consider Other Weight Loss Medications

Here are other GLP-1 receptor agonist medications that may help with weight management in PCOS:

• Ozempic. This once-weekly injection is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. It’s sometimes prescribed off-label to support weight loss and contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy^®, semaglutide.

• Saxenda^®. This is a daily GLP-1 injection containing the active ingredient liraglutide. It supports appetite regulation and is FDA-approved for chronic weight management.

• Victoza^®. Victoza, which also contains liraglutide, is FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes.

• Generic liraglutide. The generic version offers the same benefits as brand-name Saxenda or Victoza at a potentially lower cost. Our blog compares liraglutide versus semaglutide.

• Zepbound^®. This is another once-weekly injection that targets both GLP-1 and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) receptors, enhancing appetite control and weight loss. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and is FDA-approved for weight loss.

• Mounjaro^®. Mounjaro, which also contains tirzepatide, is approved for type 2 diabetes but sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.

There are also non-GLP-1 weight loss medications worth exploring.

For example, Hers offers access to personalized oral weight loss kits, which may include a combination of the following based on your provider’s recommendation:

• Metformin. Metformin is FDA-approved as a diabetes medication. It can be prescribed off-label for weight loss and PCOS.

• Bupropion. Bupropion (generic for Wellbutrin^®) is an antidepressant that’s sometimes used off-label in combination with other medications to support weight loss.

• Topiramate. Topiramate is an anti-seizure medication that can suppress appetite and prolong satiety (feeling full after eating).

• Naltrexone. Naltrexone is often prescribed to reduce cravings for substances like opioids and alcohol. It can also be combined with other medications to support weight loss.

Some oral weight loss medication kits through Hers also include vitamin B12. Your provider will work with you to determine the safest and most effective plan for your needs.

Hers customers taking oral medications alongside healthy lifestyle changes report losing an average of 15 pounds (or roughly 8.4 percent of their body weight) in the first six months.*

If you’re interested in exploring weight loss medications or other options to support your weight loss goals, connect with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

*Based on self-reported data from 1,172 Hers customers as of March 2025, those using oral weight loss medications alongside healthy lifestyle changes lost an average of 15 pounds (8.4% of their body weight) in the first six months.

2. Focus on Nutrition

Nutrition is key to both weight loss and long-term health, especially for those with PCOS and other chronic medical conditions.

Aiming for a calorie deficit is an important element of weight loss — but what you eat matters just as much as how much.

Dr. Primack recommends eating about 100 grams of protein a day to support healthy weight loss.

To make sure you’re getting a balanced diet, you can also focus on:

• Incorporating whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins

• Minimizing ultra-processed foods, like chips, soda, pastries, and processed meats, which are linked to obesity and other conditions

We also have a GLP-1 diet plan and sample grocery list for weight loss if you need inspiration.

3. Prioritize Daily Movement

Exercise does more than burn calories. It improves insulin sensitivity, regulates blood pressure, boosts mood, and reduces the risk of chronic disease.

Experts recommend getting:

• At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (light cardio) or 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise

• Resistance training two or more times per week

This may seem like a lot at first — and it is! Start where you’re at and gradually work your way up to more daily movement.

4. Aim for Better Sleep

Sleep plays a powerful role in metabolism and appetite. Not getting enough rest can disrupt hunger hormones and lead to more cravings and less energy for workouts or meal prep.

Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night. Improve sleep by:

• Keeping a consistent bedtime and wake-up time

• Making your room dark, cool, and quiet

• Avoiding screens, heavy meals, caffeine, and intense workouts before bed

See our sleep hygiene guide for more tips.

5. Stay Hydrated

Water keeps your body running smoothly, from regulating internal temperature to aiding digestion and fat metabolism.

Hydration can also help curb appetite and prevent overeating, especially when you drink before or during meals.

Pro tip: Carry a reusable water bottle throughout the day. And if you’re not into plain water, try adding cucumber or lemon slices or opt for unsweetened seltzers.

Check out our guide on how to drink enough water for more pointers.

Wegovy^® and other GLP-1 medications have helped many people lose weight, and for some women with PCOS, they may offer a much-needed boost. But does Wegovy^® work for PCOS-related weight loss? Maybe.

Here’s what to keep in mind about Wegovy^® and PCOS:

• Research is still evolving. Early studies show encouraging results, but there’s still a lot we don’t know about how Wegovy^® and similar medications affect PCOS.

• Healthy habits still matter. Nutrition, daily movement, quality sleep, and hydration all play essential roles in weight loss and overall well-being. They may even help manage PCOS symptoms.

• Medical guidance is key. Before starting any new medication, including GLP-1s like Wegovy^®, talk to a licensed healthcare provider. They can look at your medical history, discuss your goals, and help determine the best approach for your body.

Interested in exploring weight loss treatment options like Wegovy^® that support your unique needs? Take our free online assessment to connect with a licensed provider trained in weight management.