logo
Weight loss drugs could improve polycystic ovary syndrome: All you need to know

Weight loss drugs could improve polycystic ovary syndrome: All you need to know

Time of India6 days ago
Image credits: Getty Images
According to the Endocrine Society, an estimated 5-6 million women of reproductive age in the U.S. are affected by PCOS, which is frequently underdiagnosed. Caused by high levels of testosterone and androgens, polycystic ovary syndrome leads to symptoms such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, insulin resistance and more.
It is one of the leading causes of infertility and is strongly linked to metabolic issues, leading to weight gain and hormonal imbalance.
One would think a condition affecting such a huge number of women would have a treatment and medicine ready by now. However, when it comes to PCOS, a condition which also leads to other damaging conditions such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes, there's no standard treatment. Mostly, women opt for birth control, lifestyle changes and a diabetes drug, Metformin, which helps with some symptoms.
However, now, a ray of light has come around in the form of popular weight loss drugs that are shockingly helping with improving PCOS. One of the many women who have experienced a positive result is Grace Hamilton, 27, who earlier had to battle problems like hair loss, heavy periods, inconsistent menstrual cycles, mental health problems and sudden weight loss.
After getting diagnosed with PCOS, she tried birth control and lifestyle changes, only to see limited improvements.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You
Villas in Dubai | Search Ads
Get Info
Undo
It was in 2024 when Hamilton joined a trial examining the effects of GLP-1 drugs in PCOS patients. In October, she received her first dose of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic.
The results, as she said to CNBC were almost immediate with resumed periods, hair regrowth and improvement in depression and anxiety. 'I'm so glad that I stuck with it because it was just clear as day that it was the missing link for me,' said Hamilton, adding that she also maintained a diet and exercise regimen.
Are weight loss drugs really the answer?
Image credits: Getty Images
Some health experts see huge potential in GLP-1, particularly in their effect on improving weight loss and insulin sensitivity. 'The unmet need is massive,' said Dr. Melanie Cree, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, to CNBC. 'Primary therapies used for PCOS symptoms haven't changed in nearly 50 years.'
Cree has been studying the effects of GLP-1 in adolescents with PCOS for more than 10 years.
She previously studied the oral form of semaglutide and now has an ongoing clinical trial with the injectable version, which worked well for patients like Hamilton.
Her trial began in 2023 with girls and women between the ages of 12-35 with obesity and PCOS who are on or off Metformin. Semaglutide was administered to the patients for 10 months to analyse their weight loss, metabolic changes and reproductive functions.
The initial data included 11 women who completed the 10-month trial and were not on Metformin. 8 of these lost more than 10% of their body weight and saw a reduction in their hormone levels. Six of the 8 women even reported more regular periods.
However, her study group is much smaller compared to the studies done on the popular weight loss drugs, and the results did not show similar effects on everyone. Here, the importance of conducting larger and longer trials on the same is important.
This is because the potential for GLP-1 to cause relief in various PCOS symptoms remains. In previous studies, it has been found that in adults with PCOS, losing even 5% of body weight can improve insulin sensitivity. Thus, the body can respond better to insulin, and the pancreas doesn't need to pump out more insulin to keep the blood sugar in check. This will lower insulin levels, in turn lowering the production of testosterone and reducing symptoms of irregular period, acne and excess hair growth.
Semaglutide not only improves insulin sensitivity but also reduces appetite by slowing how quickly the food leaves the stomach, prompting the pancreas to release insulin when the blood sugar is high and suppressing the release of a hormone that elevates blood sugar.
Not only trials, a recent survey of 1700 people by the birth control app Natural Cycles, revealed that 64% of women with PCOS who took GLP-1 reported more predictable periods, and 20% reported that their bleeding days were shorter.
Now, what is needed is a much larger research study on the subject to analyse its effects and see if it can be administered to all women with PCOS.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Probe panel set up as man claims drug sale at Ropar rehab centre
Probe panel set up as man claims drug sale at Ropar rehab centre

Time of India

time34 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Probe panel set up as man claims drug sale at Ropar rehab centre

1 2 Patiala: A viral video, in which a patient alleged that drugs were being sold inside a govt-run de-addiction centre at the civil hospital in Ropar, has led to the formation of a three-member probe panel. In the video, the man also shows alleged drug-related items and accuses staff of facilitating the distribution of narcotics. Former Punjab chief minister and serving Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi shared the video on social media on Saturday, calling it the "real face" of the Aam Aadmi Party govt's anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'. "This is the ground reality of the so-called war on drugs. The govt must be held accountable," he wrote. Ropar deputy commissioner Varjeet Walia has since ordered an investigation by a three-member committee comprising the local SDM, Ropar civil surgeon, and a DSP. The panel has been directed to submit its report within a week. Ropar civil surgeon Dr Balwinder Kaur said a preliminary inquiry had found the claims to be "factually incorrect" and orchestrated by "anti-social elements". She claimed that the de-addiction centre had 36 patients, all receiving free treatment, with 28 of them undergoing care under Order 64-A of the NDPS Act. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo The probe found no illegal substances on the premises, she said. "The video content is misleading and does not reflect the actual situation at the centre," Dr Balwinder Kaur said. She added that during the preliminary inspection, all staff, security personnel, and police were found on duty, maintaining hygiene and patient care standards. Patients interviewed during the inquiry expressed satisfaction with the treatment being provided, she said. Dr Balwinder added additional measures had also been implemented. "The centre is staffed with seven security guards and eight ward attendants, with 24/7 surveillance by Ropar police. A woman security guard will also be deployed to enhance oversight, and thorough checks of patients and their visitors have been made mandatory," she said.

Carcinogens: ICMR to study samples
Carcinogens: ICMR to study samples

Time of India

time35 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Carcinogens: ICMR to study samples

New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) submitted a reply to the National Green Tribunal stating that it will soon initiate a study by collecting blood and urine samples of drivers to evaluate whether chemical compounds called TCEP, TCIPP and TDCIPP found in flame retardants materials used in the cars are potentially carcinogenic. The response comes in the wake of a study published in journal Environmental Science and Technology saying that cars have flame retardant chemicals considered potentially carcinogenic. The study was concerned about Tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). Of these, ICMR has already recognised TCEP as a carcinogen. A bench headed by NGT chairman, justice Prakash Shrivastava, had sought details about the matter. Responding on July 22, ICMR said it intends to test 360 professional drivers by collecting their urine and blood sample to test for presence of the chemical compounds. The study could take at least 18 months. The proposal of ICMR-NIOH, Ahmedabad, would detail the study objectives, methodology, budget requirements, as well as timelines for conducting the research, ICMR told NGT. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors Say This Drugstore Wrinkle Cream Is Actually Worth It Best Of Beauty Learn More Undo Some of the objectives would be to assess exposure of flame retardants and their metabolites among professional drivers and to compare biological levels of flame-retardants/their metabolites in "variable climatic conditions and vehicular stratification". You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi "As per the proposal, the above mentioned research study would involve a zone-stratified bio-monitoring. In terms of the proposal, completing laboratory analysis of biological samples, data processing, statistical valuation, exposure modelling, and reporting would require approximately 18 months," ICMR said. "Apart from the time period mentioned above, since a budgetary requirement of approximately Rs 85,32,800 is involved to conduct the proposed research study, due sanction and approval have to be obtained from the authorities concerned. Therefore, additionally, a period of nine months approximately would be required in obtaining the said requisite approvals/sanctions." Earlier in May, an ICMR report referred to several leading international agencies, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer under the World Health Organization and environment and toxicology institutes in the US and Europe having published systematic reviews identifying carcinogenic chemicals in flame retardants used in motor cars to which humans may be exposed through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. The report said that only one of the compounds, namely TCEP, appeared on the list of potential carcinogens, while others did not. In response, NGT had requested a more detailed analysis of the compounds.

Strays at GHs, a bitter pill to swallow for patients
Strays at GHs, a bitter pill to swallow for patients

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Strays at GHs, a bitter pill to swallow for patients

Chennai: Stray dogs, many unneutered and unvaccinated, are a common sight in the sterile zones of Chennai's govt hospitals (GHs), including intensive care units (ICUs) and dialysis units. They freely wander in and out of general wards, where they sleep under patient beds and occasionally share meals with patients. Almost all public hospitals in the city, including children's hospitals, mental health institutes, and maternity hospitals, contend with packs of community dogs. "We don't know how this fellow got in here," said a security guard at Tower II gate of Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital, pointing to a dog outside the CT scan area on Thursday. "This tower alone has two to three entrances. I guard just one. There is no one guarding the other two today. Sometimes they post elderly guards, but they can't run and chase dogs," she said. "This is a govt hospital. Don't expect facilities you see at a private hospital. " Doctors and hospital administrators say the dogs remain there due to availability of food. "Doctors, PG students, and even patients feed them. Why would dogs leave this place when they get what they want," asked Dr Magesh, dean in-charge of Stanley hospital. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15+ Food That Clean Arteries (Most People Ignore) Undo You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Dr A Aravind, dean of Omandurar Medical College and Hospital, said some dogs in the hospital have stayed back after their owners passed away. "We get patients from adjacent Tiruvallur, Chengalpet, and Kancheepuram districts or even Andhra Pradesh. Some patients bring their pets along. They are left behind when they die. I've seen at least half a dozen such cases over the past few months," he said. When packs become aggressive or there are complaints of dog bites, hospital administrators seek assistance from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). However, permanently removing these dogs from hospital campuses is not an option. Under the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023, street dogs can be captured only in two situations: as part of sterilization and vaccination drives to control their population, or in response to specific complaints such as dog bites or suspected rabies. Some times when patients, attenders or staff complain, the dogs are taken for observation and returned when they are found healthy. "Once every six months, GCC sterilizes dogs on campus and vaccinates them before dropping them back," said Vanitha Malar, RMO, Stanley Hospital. Dr M Jagadeesan, GCC's city health officer, said the civic agency's job ends with sterilization. "Stray dogs in sterile zones such as ICUs and OTs pose a clear sanitation hazard. Hospitals must take charge of preventing this," he said. Animal activists such as Sudha Chandrashekar, founder of SANS Animal Welfare Trust, suggest that hospitals should create designated feeding zones. "When feeding is restricted to just one designated zone, dogs will stay there. Hospitals must penalize anyone feeding he dogs on hospital premises," she said. Her trust helped DLF Porur establish such a zone for its campus. "Arbitrary removal makes no sense. Responsible coexistence must be the way forward," she said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store