Can Mounjaro help with PCOS?
Can Mounjaro improve PCOS symptoms? Learn how tirzepatide may help with weight and insulin resistance.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects around one in 10 people assigned female at birth in the UK.
PCOS can influence everything from your menstrual cycle to metabolism, fertility, mood and body weight. There's no known cure. And while there are ways to manage the symptoms, not all treatments work for everyone.
If you're exploring your options, you might have heard about Mounjaro (tirzepatide). This is a relatively new injectable medication used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
But can Mounjaro help with PCOS?
The short answer: not officially. Mounjaro isn't currently licensed to treat PCOS in the UK.
The longer answer, however, is more hopeful. For people with PCOS and obesity, tirzepatide may support some of the condition's most challenging symptoms, especially those linked to insulin resistance and weight regulation.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a once-weekly injection that mimics two key gut hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones influence how the body processes insulin, manages blood sugar and signals hunger and fullness.
Originally designed for people with type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro has since shown impressive effects on weight loss and blood glucose control, particularly for those living with obesity. In the UK, it's available privately for people with a BMI of 30 or higher.
It's also available for people with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have a weight-related health condition. This can include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or – in some clinical settings – PCOS.
Why might Mounjaro support people with PCOS?
PCOS is a complex condition, and every person's experience is different. That said, insulin resistance and inflammation are common symptoms. Many people with PCOS also struggle with weight gain, low energy, irregular periods and higher levels of androgens. Androgens are so-called 'male' hormones that can cause acne and unwanted hair growth.
Because tirzepatide improves insulin sensitivity and appetite regulation, taking Mounjaro for PCOS may indirectly benefit these issues, particularly in people living with obesity.
In fact, several studies suggest that medications like tirzepatide and semaglutide (Wegovy) may offer additional benefits beyond weight loss. Evidence suggests that GLP-1 medications may help reduce inflammation and, in some cases, support more regular ovulation.
Early research and encouraging signs for tirzepatide and PCOS
Tirzepatide itself hasn't been extensively studied for PCOS just yet. But the science is catching up.
Ongoing trials are now exploring tirzepatide's potential to support ovulation, reduce androgens and improve reproductive outcomes. In the meantime, we can look to semaglutide (Wegovy) – another GLP-1 medication that has already been studied in people with PCOS.
In a 2023 trial, 27 women with PCOS and obesity took semaglutide for six months. After three months, nearly 80% had lost more than 5% of their body weight (averaging 11.5kg). Many also showed improvements in insulin resistance and menstrual regularity.
Is Mounjaro available for people with PCOS?
Mounjaro is not licensed to treat PCOS alone. However, it may be prescribed as a treatment for overweight or obesity if you meet certain criteria.
In the UK, you could be eligible for Mounjaro if
- your BMI is 30 or higher (you have obesity), or
- your BMI is 27 or higher and you have a weight-related condition.
PCOS is often linked with insulin resistance and metabolic risk. That's why many clinicians recognise it as a weight-related condition – particularly when it causes or worsens symptoms like elevated blood sugar or cholesterol.
If you're not sure whether you qualify, speak to a medical professional. Alternatively, you could take SemaPen's online consultation to get an answer without a face-to-face appointment.
What about side effects?
Like all medications, Mounjaro comes with potential side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and reduced appetite, which many people say ease within a few weeks.
Rare effects can include fatigue, gallstones or pancreatitis. If you have PCOS or take hormonal contraception, it's crucial to talk to a clinician first. It is not recommended for people who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.
If you take the contraceptive pill:
Mounjaro is known to make the oral contraceptive pill work less effectively. This is because Mounjaro slows stomach emptying, which can affect how the body absorbs oral contraceptives.
If you're currently on the pill and are thinking about starting Mounjaro, it's safest to switch to a different method of contraception while undergoing treatment.
Taking a broader look at PCOS and weight
PCOS can make weight management more difficult. But even small changes in body weight can improve symptoms like irregular periods, hair growth and acne.
For many, lifestyle changes remain the first step. But if those haven't been effective on their own, medications like Mounjaro may help.
That doesn't mean they replace everything else. Exercise, nutrition, stress regulation and sleep are still vital. But when willpower alone isn't enough, it helps to have medical support that works with your biology, not against it.
The results speak for themselves:
- People using once-weekly semaglutide (Wegovy) lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
- Participants treated with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) lost up to 20.9% over 72 weeks.
These figures don't relate specifically to people with PCOS. However, they do show the kinds of results that could make a real difference to those with weight-related symptoms.
How SemaPen can help
At SemaPen, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all plans. If you have PCOS, we'll look beyond your BMI and help you understand how weight loss medication could fit into your overall health strategy.
We take time to understand your health background, symptoms and priorities before offering any recommendations. This means your plan is designed to work for you and your unique needs.
We offer:
- A medical weight loss plan designed by real UK obesity experts
- A smart scale that syncs with your dashboard, so you can track progress over time
- Ongoing clinical support for as long as you're on the programme
Wondering if Mounjaro could be right for you? You can get started today by taking our simple online consultation.
Sources
1. Szczesnowicz, A. et al. (2023) "Do GLP-1 Analogs Have a Place in the Treatment of PCOS? New Insights and Promising Therapies" Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(18) https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12185915
2. Carmina, E. & Longo, R.A. (2023) "Semaglutide Treatment of Excessive Body Weight in Obese PCOS Patients Unresponsive to Lifestyle Programs" Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(18) https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12185921
3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
4. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, and Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 7 July 2025.
