Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic condition that affects a woman’s hormones and metabolism in a big way. This is why the symptoms of PCOS include things that are driving by hormonal imbalances like mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and weight gain. That last one is a common struggle for women with PCOS, because it can feel like no matter how hard you work to lose weight, those pounds just won’t come off!
This stubborn weight loss is likely due to insulin resistance, and as of the last few years, quite a few medications have come out with the purpose of boosting insulin sensitivity. These prescriptions are called GLP-1 medications, and they’ve become really popular.
Like a lot of women with PCOS, you mightbe amazed by the results of GLP-1 medications… but is it too good to be true? And, are GLP-1 medications right for you? These are all valid questions I want to answer today in this post to help you decide if GLP-1 is something you’d like to talk about with your doctor for PCOS.
GLP-1 for PCOS: Is It the Right Choice?
Though the results of GLP-1 medications may look like the holy grail of weight loss for a woman with PCOS, it’s so important you know the facts before making any decisions. So, in the rest of this post, I’m going to explain what GLP-1 medications are, how they work, and whether they’re a good choice for women with PCOS.
Here’s what you need to know:
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are prescription drugs that mimic or boost the effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is a hormone released in response to eating. GLP-1 receptor agonist meds help regulate blood glucose by stimulating insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are high and reducing glucagon release to prevent spikes. It also slows digestion to help you feel full longer and suppresses appetite by signaling the brain that you’re full. All this promotes weight loss and improved metabolic functioning.
Some common GLP-1 medications are Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus), Exenatide (Bydureon and Byetta), Liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda), Trizepatide (Mounjaro), and Dulaglutide (Trulicity.)
If you’re interested in learning more about Ozempic or Wegovy, the most popular GLP-1 medications, check out these posts:
How Do GLP-1 Drugs Work For PCOS?
GLP-1 medications are not officially FDA-approved for the treatment of PCOS, but they’re sometimes used off-label for PCOS, because of their effect on insulin resistance! Insulin resistance is a core problem with PCOS that is the cause of more than just weight gain. Insulin resistance is also responsible for fatigue, brain fog, skin tags, skin darkening, and more. Plus, it can contribute to hormonal imbalances and inflammation! This is why getting insulin resistance under control (whether it be through lifestyle changes or other methods) is so important for your PCOS healing goals!
GLP-1 medications are seen as a potentially effective treatment option for PCOS because of their impact on metabolism and insulin resistance. The drug enhances the body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar. It also lowers your fasting insulin levels by ensuring your body ONLY produces insulin when needed, rather than overproducing it. In clinical trials, the increased insulin sensitivity improved weight loss, ovulation, menstrual regularity, and even androgen levels, all important for managing PCOS symptoms. However, we will talk about the side effects to be cautious about in a bit.
Does Insurance Cover GLP-1 For PCOS?
No. GLP-1 medications are usually not covered for patients with PCOS, because the prescription is not FDA-approved for that condition. These drugs are primarily approved for treating type 2 diabetes, so coverage is usually only available if a patient with PCOS also has type 2 diabetes or obesity as a related condition.
Which GLP-1 Is Best For PCOS, If Any?
GLP-1 medications have become a popular topic in the PCOS space, and it’s easy to see why. These drugs can support weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity, which are two big challenges for many Cysters.
But here’s the thing: while they can offer short-term relief, they don’t address the root causes of PCOS. Once you stop taking them, symptoms like insulin resistance and weight gain often come back. That’s why we believe every medication should come with an exit plan, and for many, GLP-1s don’t provide one.
Plus, side effects like nausea, bloating, fatigue, and GI issues can make the experience challenging for some. And more serious risks (like kidney problems or pancreatitis) are worth discussing with a provider you trust.
If you’re currently on a GLP-1 and it’s helping you, that’s totally valid, and there’s no shame in seeking relief that you know works for you. But if you’re looking for a more sustainable and root-cause approach, you’re in the right place. Our goal is to help you understand your body, balance your hormones naturally, and feel empowered, not dependent.
How To Increase GLP-1 Naturally
If you’re feeling defeated, I’m here to remind you that you no longer have to! Just because GLP-1 medications aren’t the best choice for PCOS doesn’t mean you’re stuck with your symptoms and weight gain. There are actually SO MANY lifestyle interventions that can not only naturally increase your GLP-1, but do so without side effects. And, the best part? The improvements you make naturally can become a permanent lifestyle. As long as you maintain your positive lifestyle changes, you can heal your metabolism and reverse your PCOS.
Here are some ways you can do just that:
Eat more protein, fiber, healthy fats, and fermented foods.
Diet is so important when trying to naturally manage insulin resistance and increase GP1-1! The right foods can stabilize blood sugar and reduce the body’s demand for insulin over time. Plus, nutrient-dense food can provide your body with the vitamins and minerals necessary for carrying out healthy metabolic functions!
These are some of the types of food you should be prioritizing to naturally raise GLP-1:
- Protein: Protein from eggs, fish, and poultry can stimulate GLP-1 secretion from the gut by slowing digestion and prompt insulin release that doesn’t spike blood glucose levels.
- Fiber: Fibers from oats, legume, flaxseeds, and fruits and vegetables slow digestion and stabilize blood sugar, leading to a higher GLP-1 release. Plus, some of them have short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that stimulate the production of GLP-1!
- Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and miso can improve gut health and boost the production of those SCFAs, too, boosting GLP-1 release.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish are all examples of healthy fats, and they trigger the release of GLP-1. They slow digestion and boost nutrient absorption too, which naturally increases GLP-1.
Watch out for excess sugars and refined carbs.
If you’re trying to naturally boost GLP-1, cutting back on sugar and refined carbs can make a difference. Some examples are white bread, pastries, and sugar-sweetened beverages. These foods cause quick spikes and crashes in your blood sugar, which can mess with your hormones and slow down GLP-1 production over time. They also make your body more resistant to insulin and can increase inflammation, both of which get in the way of how well GLP-1 works.
Though it’s a good idea to pull back on sugars and refined carbs, your diet doesn’t need to be restrictive. Pairing these items with a protein or fat can also help slow down blood sugar rising! It’s all about choosing the right foods and recipes that support your body and your cravings. Download The Cysterhood app to find all my PCOS-friendly recipes and meal plans to help you boost GLP-1 and heal your body! (And, yes, these recipes include cookies, brownies, smoothies, and all the other good stuff, too!)
And, for more on my recommended gluten- and dairy-free anti-inflammatory diet, check out on how to reverse PCOS with diet!
Do low-impact, slow-weighted workouts.
Low-impact, slow-weighted workouts help your muscles use blood sugar more efficiently, which encourages your body to release more GLP-1. Plus, they’re gentle on your hormones and don’t spike stress levels the way intense workouts can. Over time, this style of movement supports better insulin sensitivity, steadier energy, and fewer cravings without burning you out or putting extra strain on your body. It’s a kind, sustainable way to care for your metabolism and hormones.
If you want more information about how to strategically workout for PCOS, listen to this episode of A Cyster and Her Mister. And, don’t forget to download The Cysterhood app, which is where I keep all my PCOS-friendly workout routines!
Get 7-10 hours of quality sleep.
Sleep is one of the most underrated ways to improve our health. This is especially true for women with PCOS, because sleep is essential for metabolic hormone regulation. Bad sleep can actually increase insulin resistance and lower GLP-1 levels, increasing cravings, weight gain, and blood sugar levels.
On the flip side, great quality sleep helps your body respond better to insulin and supports healthy GLP-1 production! Plus, it can indirectly improve GLP-1 by reducing stress levels and inflammation. So, prioritize getting 7-10 hours of the best quality sleep possible!
I know this can be hard with PCOS, since sleep disorders are more common in Cysters, but there are steps you can take to make getting good rest easier. Doing things like setting a consistent sleep/unwinding routine, practicing meditative exercises, limiting screens an hour before bed, getting some sunlight throughout the day, and more can have a big impact. Here’s more on how to get better sleep with PCOS.
Find ways to reduce stress.
Stress is harder on your body than we realize, especially when having PCOS means we have higher levels of cortisol. It doesn’t just make you feel anxious, but it actually impacts your hormones and metabolism! Chronically high levels of cortisol puts our bodies in fight or flight, increasing our insulin resistance and hindering GLP-1 production. Your body’s basically too busy “surviving” to focus on things like appetite and metabolism.
To improve your blood sugar levels and increase GLP-1, focus on reducing stress levels! Cutting caffeine, drinking Testosterone Relief Tea, getting better sleep, taking walks or doing slow weighted workouts, spending time outside, and practicing self-care can all be effective ways of lowering stress levels.
Take supplements that naturally increase GLP-1.
One of the best things you can do for your metabolism and hormones? The right supplements. Just like food, they help fill in nutritional gaps and provide your body with key vitamins and minerals it needs to function at its best.
If you’re looking for a natural way to support GLP-1 without the side effects of medication, Berberine Advanced is one of my top recommendations for PCOS. Berberine is a plant compound that’s been shown to activate the same GLP-1 pathways as prescription weight loss medications, supporting appetite control, blood sugar regulation, and fat metabolism. It also improves insulin sensitivity, which is key for reversing PCOS symptoms like weight gain, cravings, fatigue, and irregular periods.
Our Berberine Advanced uses Berberine Phytosome™, a patented form that’s 10x more bioavailable than standard berberine, meaning your body can absorb and use it more effectively. It’s NSF-certified, free of fillers, and designed with PCOS in mind, making it a simple, powerful tool for your hormone-healing journey.
You can get all of this and other PCOS supplements through Ovafit! These high-quality NSF-certified supplements are made specifically to address the root issues of PCOS!
You can lose weight naturally without GLP-1 medications and their negative side effects!
At the end of the day, GLP-1 meds might offer quick results, but they’re not a long-term fix for PCOS. The good news? You can support your metabolism and boost GLP-1 naturally and permanently without the side effects.
With the right lifestyle changes, real PCOS healing is possible. You don’t need a prescription to take control of your metabolism. Check out more of our blog posts to learn more about how you can reach your health goals and thrive with PCOS. You’ve got this, Cysters!
