The metabolic benefits associated with semaglutide use in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome- a retrospective study of clinical practice.

BACKGROUND

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher prevalence of obesity, which negatively impacts health. Guidelines suggest that GLP1 Receptor Agonists could be considered but highlight a lack of evidence for treatment in PCOS. Reducing body weight by as little as 5% has significant benefits in women with PCOS.

AIMS: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the metabolic impact of semaglutide use in routine clinical practice in obese women with PCOS.

METHODS

Data were collected on 58 women with PCOS and obesity attending reproductive endocrinology clinics and prescribed semaglutide therapy for > 6 months.

RESULTS

Mean age was 34.7 ± 6.8 years. Median duration of GLP1 agonist therapy was 12(7-17) months. Mean weight loss was 12.6 ± 9.6 kg (11.4% total body weight, p < 0.0001). 81% of women lost > 5% of their total body weight. Mean BMI reduced from 40.7 ± 6.3 to 36.2 ± 6.7 kg/m² (p < 0.0001). Mean systolic blood pressure reduced by 6.3mmHg (p = 0.012). Median HbA1C reduced from 35.3 (32.8-38.3) to 33 (31-35) mmol/mol (p = 0.0014). Mean total cholesterol reduced from 4.8 ± 0.9 mmol/L to 4.45 ± 0.91 mmol/L, p = 0.03. 50% of those with oligomenorrhoea reported subjective improvement in their menstrual cycles. 33% of those with acne and 29% of those with hirsutism reported improvements in their symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world analysis of clinical practice, semaglutide use in obese women with PCOS was associated with significant weight loss, reduced systolic blood pressure, cholesterol and HbA1C.