Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is commonly linked with insulin resistance, weight gain, irregular periods, and fertility challenges. Managing PCOS often requires a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and ongoing clinical support.
At Weight Medics, our clinician-led weight loss programmes combine evidence-based medications with nutrition and lifestyle guidance to help women achieve long-term metabolic and reproductive health.
Understanding PCOS and Weight Gain
Women with PCOS often struggle with insulin resistance, which can lead to:
- Excess weight and difficulty losing it
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Hormonal imbalances
- Fertility challenges
- Hair loss or hair growth
- Acne or excessive oily skin
Addressing insulin resistance is a key target in PCOS treatment, and medications like metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists (Wegovy, Mounjaro) play an important role in managing weight and metabolic health.
Can Mounjaro and Metformin Be Used Together?
Yes, combining Mounjaro and metformin can be effective for women with PCOS, as they target different aspects of insulin resistance and weight control:
- Metformin improves liver insulin sensitivity
- Mounjaro enhances gut hormone regulation and appetite control
- Clinical studies suggest GLP-1 therapies, including Mounjaro, can lead to greater weight loss and improved metabolic outcomes than metformin alone, though this should only be done under clinical supervision due to potential gastrointestinal side effects.
Benefits of Mounjaro for Women with PCOS
- Weight loss
Weight gain is a common symptom of PCOS, which increases the likelihood of developing other conditions like type 2 diabetes. Weight gain can also impact how regularly you have a period or ovulate — in some cases, people with PCOS might not ovulate at all (called anovulation).
This is why weight loss is often recommended as a first-line treatment—even a modest weight loss of 5% of body weight has been shown in studies to significantly improve PCOS symptoms, including restoring more regular menstrual cycles, improving ovulation, reducing androgen levels (which cause symptoms like acne and excess hair growth), and lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
However, achieving and maintaining weight loss with PCOS can be particularly challenging. This is where Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may offer valuable support. Mounjaro can aid in weight loss by:
- Slowing down digestion, which helps you feel fuller for longer and reduces the urge to overeat
- Suppressing appetite and cravings by mimicking gut hormones involved in regulating hunger
- Improving blood sugar control, which reduces insulin spikes that can otherwise promote fat storage and weight gain
By helping to address some of the metabolic drivers of weight gain in PCOS, Mounjaro can facilitate the kind of sustainable weight loss that leads to meaningful improvements in reproductive health, hormonal balance, and overall wellbeing.
Mounjaro has been shown to support significant weight reduction, which can improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance in women with PCOS.
Improved Insulin Resistance
By targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, Mounjaro may provide stronger improvements in insulin resistance than metformin alone, helping with weight management, hormonal regulation, and menstrual cycle stability.
Potential Fertility Benefits
While not a fertility treatment, Mounjaro may indirectly support ovulation by reducing weight and improving insulin sensitivity. Studies with other GLP-1 therapies (e.g., liraglutide, semaglutide) have shown enhanced menstrual regularity and reproductive hormone balance.
At Weight Medics, our clinicians may prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss in PCOS, depending on your medical history, BMI, and treatment goals.
Key Takeaways
- Metformin and Mounjaro are both valuable tools for managing PCOS, especially when weight loss and insulin resistance are priorities.
- At Weight Medics, our personalised programmes combine medical expertise, medication, nutrition, and ongoing support to improve metabolic, reproductive, and long-term health outcomes.
Can Mounjaro and Metformin be safely combined for PCOS?
A UK clinician who knows what they're doing can safely give Mounjaro with metformin to women with PCOS. The two medications work in different but complementary ways to help with two big problems with PCOS: insulin resistance and weight loss. Mounjaro controls hormones in the intestines, hunger, digestion, and blood sugar, whereas Metformin makes the liver respond better to insulin. This combo may work better than metformin alone when a registered clinician is in charge. Both medications can cause problems in the stomach and intestines, so a certified clinician needs to make sure the right dose is given and the person can handle it.
How does Mounjaro with Metformin help insulin resistance in PCOS?
Insulin resistance causes weight gain, hormone imbalance, and irregular menstrual periods in PCOS. Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and enhances insulin responsiveness. Mounjaro helps regulate hunger, insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar increases by activating GLP-1 and GIP receptors. These effects can considerably lower insulin levels, which may reduce androgen production, encourage more regular ovulation, and enhance metabolic health in PCOS women.
What benefits does Mounjaro offer for PCOS?
Women with PCOS who want to lose weight and address insulin resistance may benefit from Mounjaro. Mounjaro slows digestion and reduces hunger, promoting sustained weight loss and improving PCOS monthly regularity, ovulation, and hormonal balance. Insulin sensitivity may reduce type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. Mounjaro is not a fertility drug, but its metabolic benefits can promote reproductive health and well-being.
Why see a nutritionist while on GLP-1 or GIP medications?
Working with a nutritionist at Weight Medics while taking GLP-1 or GIP medications is important because these treatments significantly affect appetite, digestion, and nutrient intake. Many people experience reduced hunger, early fullness, or food aversions, which can unintentionally lead to inadequate protein, fibre, or micronutrient intake. A nutritionist helps ensure your diet remains balanced, supports metabolic health, and minimises side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or muscle loss. For women with PCOS, tailored nutritional guidance is especially valuable in supporting hormone balance and insulin sensitivity alongside medication.
How can a nutrition plan improve results on GLP-1/GIP therapy?
A personalised nutrition plan can greatly enhance the effectiveness of GLP1 Wegovy (semaglutide) and GIP Mounjaro (tirzepatide) therapy by supporting sustainable weight loss and metabolic health. The right plan focuses on adequate protein to preserve lean muscle, balanced carbohydrates to stabilise blood sugar, and healthy fats to support hormonal function. Structured nutrition also helps prevent weight-loss plateaus, reduce gastrointestinal side effects, and improve energy levels.
References
Elkind-Hirsch, K.E., et al., 2022. Randomized pilot trial comparing the impact of liraglutide and metformin on weight and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Fertility and Sterility, 117(2), pp.329–338.
Frias, J.P., et al., 2021. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 385(6), pp.503–515.
Jensterle, M., et al., 2015. Short-term intervention with liraglutide improved eating behavior in obese women with PCOS. Endocrine Connections, 4(3), pp.108–116.
Anala, Alekya Devi, et al. “The Potential Utility of Tirzepatide for the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, vol. 12, no. 14, 10 July 2023, p. 4575, doi:10.3390/jcm12144575.
