Indian women turn to weight-loss wonder GLP-1s for PCOS relief
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.A 34-year-old Pune woman, diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as a teenager, saw her first natural menstrual cycle in February—six months after starting Mounjaro for weight management. This spotlights a broader shift, as more women with the condition turn to GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs for metabolic relief and, in some cases, improved fertility.The trend is accelerating across India, doctors said, even though these drugs are not officially approved for treating PCOS and are prescribed primarily for type-2 diabetes and obesity.“I’ve had PCOS since I can remember, and with that comes infertility,” she told Mint, requesting her name be withheld to protect her privacy.
While she was initially put on Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) to prepare for a round of IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment for infertility in 2024-25, she stopped when two rounds of IVF failed. She was prescribed Mounjaro in August 2025, with the starting dose of 2.5 mg to treat obesity, blood sugar, blood pressure, etc.Scores of Indian women diagnosed with PCOS—which typically involves weight gain or difficulty losing weight due to insulin resistance—have been turning to GLP-1 injectables over the last one year.
Doctors across specialties have reported a quick pick-up among PCOS patients seeking these medicines and expect the pool to expand quickly, given the recent influx of cheaper generics since last month.Doctors say GLP-1s work for patients by reducing insulin resistance and weight, and easing symptoms such as acne and irregular periods. They have also shown a positive effect on fertility.GLP-1s are officially indicated to treat diabetes and obesity, which often accompany PCOS, a hormonal
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