Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) stands out as a prevalent endocrine
disorder marked by hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, and polycystic ovarian
morphology, often accompanied by diverse metabolic abnormalities. Notably, more
than half of those diagnosed with PCOS also present features of obesity or metabolic
syndrome. Traditional therapeutic approaches for PCOS involve oral contraceptive
drugs, antiandrogens, and insulin sensitizers. Recently, there has been a heightened
interest in leveraging the positive impact of weight loss on PCOS and associated
metabolic disorders, leading to increased exploration of anti-obesity drugs and antihyperglycemia medications known for their weight loss efficacy in PCOS management.
Several approved obesity drugs, including orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, Glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, have
exhibited favorable effects in individuals with PCOS. Notably, the combination of
GLP-1 agonists and metformin emerges as a particularly promising option. This
combined therapy demonstrates superior efficacy in weight reduction, normalization of
serum androgens, and improvement of menstrual cycle abnormalities. The observed
multifaceted benefits underscore the potential of this integrated approach to enhance
overall therapeutic outcomes for individuals grappling with PCOS. Consequently, the
exploration of anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycemia medications as integral components
of the conventional PCOS treatment paradigm signifies a noteworthy avenue, holding
promise for improved patient care and outcomes.
Keywords: Androgens, GLP-1 receptor agonist, Hirsutism, Insulin resistance, Metabolic syndrome, Menstrual abnormalities, Obesity, PCOS, SGLT2 inhibitors, Weight Loss.
