Key takeaways

  • Ozempic (semaglutide) is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for type 2 diabetes.
  • It may be prescribed off-label to help manage weight and metabolic concerns in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine condition where the body’s hormones are imbalanced.
  • In PCOS, you may develop painful cysts on your ovaries. PCOS may also be related to increased insulin levels, insulin resistance, elevated androgen levels, and infertility.

Ozempic can support weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and regulate hormone levels, but you should discuss its use for PCOS with a healthcare professional for safety and your individual recommendations.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some common myths about using Ozempic for PCOS, how it affects periods, potential side effects, and more.

Fact

Ozempic is FDA-approved in adults to:

  • treat type 2 diabetes
  • reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes
  • reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease

Ozempic does not have FDA approval to treat PCOS. But it may be prescribed off-label for this use.

Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it was approved for. Doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label to certain PCOS symptoms, including weight and insulin resistance.

Fact

Some research suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), may improve menstrual regularity in people with PCOS. This is likely due to the effects on weight, insulin sensitivity, and hormone levels.

However, the drug’s effects can vary from person to person, and more research is needed to better understand Ozempic’s impact on periods.

Fact

The most common side effects reported with Ozempic use are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These are typically mild and improve as your body adjusts to the drug.

Serious side effects are rare, but they have been reported. Serious side effects include pancreatitis. Ozempic also has a boxed warning for the risk of a certain type of thyroid cancer.

In animal studies, rodents given semaglutide developed thyroid cancer, but it’s unknown if this occurs in humans. If you have a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers, your doctor may not prescribe Ozempic for you.

If you have questions about Ozempic’s side effects, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

What to do if you experience bothersome side effects
  • Contact your healthcare professional for persistent or severe side effects.
  • Mild symptoms may improve, but call your doctor right away if you experience serious or bothersome issues, such as severe abdominal pain.

Ozempic is not FDA-approved for PCOS, but it may be helpful for PCOS-related weight gain and metabolic concerns. If you are interested in using Ozempic, talk with your doctor. Together, you can decide how to best manage your PCOS.