PCOS and weight loss drugs

If you’ve got polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you’re not alone—it affects roughly 1 in 10 people assigned female at birth. PCOS can make it harder to get pregnant, and it often comes with symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and excess hair growth. Understandably, many people explore different ways to manage these symptoms, especially if they're thinking about starting a family. 

One of the newer conversations we’re seeing is around injectable weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and their active ingredients—semaglutide and tirzepatide. These drugs weren’t originally designed for fertility, but they’re now being used to support weight loss in people with PCOS. So, do they help? And are they safe if you’re trying for a baby? 

In this blog, we’ll look at how these medications work, whether they’re safe when trying to conceive, and what you should consider before starting them on your fertility journey. 

• What are these medications? 
• How might they help people with PCOS? 
• Are they safe if you're trying to get pregnant?
• So, should you consider them? 
• What else can help?
• Here’s what to keep in mind 

What are these medications? 

These medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), and they were first developed to help manage type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar, slows digestion, and reduces appetite—hence the weight loss. 

• Ozempic (semaglutide) – licensed for type 2 diabetes 

• Wegovy (semaglutide) – higher dose, licensed for weight management 

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – works on two receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) and is newer to the UK market 

How might they help people with PCOS? 

Many people with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance and find it harder to lose weight. This can affect ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive. 

There’s growing evidence that GLP-1 medications may help improve ovulation and regulate periods in people with PCOS, especially when weight loss is part of the picture. Some early research also suggests they might lower androgen levels (the hormones linked to acne and excess hair). 

But it’s not a magic fix. These drugs support lifestyle changes—they don’t replace them. And they’re not specifically licensed in the UK to treat PCOS or infertility (at least not yet). 

Are they safe if you're trying to get pregnant? 

This is the big question—and the short answer is that we’re still not quite sure. There are currently no long-term studies on these drugs and their effect on fertility or pregnancy. 

GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide haven’t been studied thoroughly in pregnancy, and they’re not recommended if you’re actively trying to conceive, undergoing IVF, or already pregnant. The advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products agency (MHRA), is clear: 

• You should stop the medication before starting fertility treatment or trying to conceive. 
• For most people, that means coming off the drug at least eight weeks before starting IVF or attempting pregnancy.  
• The current guidance states that this should be 1 month for Mounjaro, and at least 2 months for Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus*. 

If you're already on one of these medications, it’s important to speak to your GP or fertility specialist before making any changes. 

Read more about weight loss injections and fertility

So, should you consider them? 

That depends entirely on your situation, your health goals, and where you are on your fertility journey. If you’re not ready to try for a baby just yet and you're struggling to lose weight with PCOS, your GP may talk to you about whether these medications could help. They may be especially considered if your BMI is 30 or higher, or if you have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. 

If you’re getting ready to start treatment at Care Fertility, our doctors will work with you to develop a personalised plan—and that includes talking about your weight, hormone levels, and how to support ovulation safely. 

What else can help? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to PCOS. But here are some steps that may improve your fertility naturally and support treatment outcomes: 

• Balanced diet – focus on whole foods, lean protein, and low GI carbs 

• Regular movement – gentle and consistent activity like walking, swimming, or strength training 

• Stress support – easier said than done, but mindfulness or therapy can help regulate hormones too 

• Ovulation tracking – especially helpful if your cycle is irregular 

And of course, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our team is here to guide you—step by step, with compassion and clinical expertise. 

Here’s what to keep in mind 

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro might offer benefits for people with PCOS—but they’re not suitable if you’re actively trying to conceive. If you’re thinking about using them, make sure you chat to a GP or fertility specialist first. And if you’re starting your fertility journey with us, we’ll make sure every part of your plan is tailored to you—from testing to treatment. 

Ready to take the next step? Call our team to book your fertility tests, and we’ll be with you all the way—from your first call to your first scan. 

Get in touch with us by clicking here 

*Correct at the time of writing (July 2025) this was the guidance provided by the Medicines and Healthcare products agency (MHRA).