.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women—and for many, weight gain is one of the most frustrating and difficult symptoms to manage. Despite diet changes, exercise routines, and lifestyle overhauls, progress can feel slow or nonexistent.
That’s where GLP-1 medications come in. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these powerful medications are now showing promise for women with PCOS, especially when traditional weight loss strategies haven’t worked.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects how the ovaries function. It often leads to:
• Irregular periods
• Elevated androgen levels, like testosterone
• Ovarian cysts
• Insulin resistance
• Infertility
• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
Many women with PCOS also struggle with inflammation, cravings, and fatigue, making traditional diet and exercise approaches even harder to maintain.
Take our 2-minute quiz to get started with your weight loss journey »
If you’ve struggled with your weight for years—or if it suddenly became harder to manage after your PCOS diagnosis—you’re not imagining it. PCOS weight gain is uniquely frustrating, and there’s a biological reason for that.
Unlike typical weight gain, PCOS-related weight is often driven by insulin resistance, which makes your body store more fat, especially around your abdomen. And even if you’re eating the same or exercising more, your body may not respond the way it used to.
Other factors that make PCOS weight gain especially difficult:
• Cravings are more intense and frequent due to hormonal imbalances
• Energy is lower, making movement and meal prep harder
• Sleep disturbances interfere with metabolism and hunger regulation
• Cortisol (stress hormone) can be elevated, increasing fat storage
That’s why telling women with PCOS to “eat less and move more” isn’t just unhelpful—it’s often damaging. The truth is, your body is dealing with a very real metabolic imbalance and it needs a more targeted, supportive approach to get back in sync.
“Too many people with PCOS feel dismissed or told to just ‘try harder.’ GLP-1s give us a way to validate their experience and offer real support that addresses both the biology and the burnout.”– Dr. Weiss Surkhabi, Chief Medical Officer of Fridays Health
GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone that:
• Helps regulate blood sugar.
• Slows down digestion.
• Increases feelings of fullness.
• Reduces appetite.
GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide) mimic this hormone, helping to control hunger and support weight loss in a more sustainable way—especially for people dealing with insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS.
While GLP-1 medications are not classified as fertility treatments, they may support improved reproductive health in women with PCOS by targeting some of the root causes of infertility. Here’s how:
🧬 Weight loss can help restore ovulation
Excess fat tissue—especially around the midsection—can disrupt hormonal balance and suppress ovulation. GLP-1s support healthy weight loss, which in turn may help reestablish more regular menstrual cycles.
🩺 Better insulin control supports hormonal balance
Insulin resistance can increase levels of androgens like testosterone, which interfere with ovulation. By improving insulin sensitivity, GLP-1s may reduce androgen levels and create a more favorable hormonal environment for conception.
🌿 Reduced inflammation = better egg quality
Chronic inflammation is common in PCOS and has been linked to poor reproductive outcomes. GLP-1s have shown anti-inflammatory benefits, which may positively impact fertility over time.
📊 Clinical studies are ongoing—but promising
While more long-term research is needed, early findings suggest that GLP-1s can be an effective part of a preconception care plan for women with PCOS. If fertility is part of your long-term goal, it’s worth discussing with your provider.
As always, fertility is complex—and your journey is unique. But for many women, GLP-1s are opening new doors by making the body more metabolically prepared for pregnancy.
Everyone’s journey is different, but many women with PCOS see noticeable results within the first 4–8 weeks of starting GLP-1s. Results may include:
• Reduced appetite and fewer cravings.
• Steady, sustainable weight loss.
• More energy and improved focus.
• Better control over blood sugar and insulin spikes.
Keep in mind: GLP-1s are most effective when paired with a consistent routine, hydration, sleep, and expert support.
GLP-1s are not a cure for PCOS, but they can address several of its most challenging symptoms:
✅ Support Weight Loss - GLP-1s reduce appetite and delay stomach emptying, helping women with PCOS feel full longer and reduce calorie intake naturally.
✅ Improve Insulin Sensitivity - Since insulin resistance is a key driver of PCOS symptoms, improving blood sugar control with GLP-1s can help reduce inflammation and stabilize energy levels.
✅ Reduce Cravings- Many women report fewer cravings and better control over emotional or binge eating once they start GLP-1 therapy.
✅ Boost Confidence and Energy - Losing weight and managing symptoms can lead to better sleep, increased motivation, and a more positive mindset—something that’s often overlooked in PCOS treatment.
✅ May Support Fertility - By improving metabolic health, regulating insulin, and potentially supporting ovulation, GLP-1s may help restore hormonal balance and improve the chances of conception for some women with PCOS.
“For many patients with PCOS, insulin resistance is a major driver of symptoms. GLP-1s can help address this root issue, which may support improvements in weight, energy, and even menstrual regularity.” – Dr. Weiss Surkhabi, Chief Medical Officer of Fridays Health
GLP-1s can be a powerful tool—but they work best when part of a bigger plan. At Fridays, we believe lasting success means looking at the whole picture: your hormones, your habits, your headspace, and your support system.
GLP-1s help your body regulate hunger and insulin. But to create sustainable results, you’ll also need:
• Balanced nutrition that supports hormone health
• Movement routines that feel energizing, not exhausting
• Sleep and stress strategies that don’t burn you out
• A mindset shift from restriction to self-respect
Because PCOS is complex, your care should be too.
Starting something new can feel overwhelming—especially when you’ve already tried so many things that didn’t work. That’s why it helps to know what the first 90 days on GLP-1s might actually look like.
While everyone’s experience is different, here’s a general timeline of what you can expect during your first few months with Fridays:
During this phase, many women begin to notice:
• A reduction in appetite
• Feeling full faster
• Fewer cravings between meals
You may also experience mild side effects, but these usually pass.
This is when things start to click. Your body adjusts to the medication, and your new habits begin to take root. You might notice:
• Steady, consistent weight loss
• More stable energy levels
• Easier control over snacking or emotional eating
• Fewer blood sugar crashes
Fridays’ team is available to adjust your dosage, answer questions, or offer support at any point in your journey.
By the end of your third month, you’ve likely seen real progress—not just on the scale, but in how you feel. Many women report:
• Renewed confidence
• Better sleep and mood
• More freedom from food obsession
• Feeling empowered in their own skin
This is also when many begin planning for maintenance: learning how to support results long-term, whether or not they stay on the medication.
GLP-1s are powerful—but they’re even more effective with the right guidance. That’s where Fridays makes a difference.
“PCOS doesn’t look the same for everyone. That’s why at Fridays, we focus on personalized care—using GLP-1s thoughtfully and alongside nutrition and lifestyle support to help patients find what works for them.” – Dr. Weiss Surkhabi, Chief Medical Officer of Fridays Health
• Personalized Plans We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Your plan is tailored based on your health history, goals, and PCOS symptoms.
• 1-on-1 Support You’ll have access to real providers, not bots. Whether it’s a question about side effects or tips for staying on track, we’re here.
• Holistic Coaching Fridays also offers mental health coaching, nutrition support, and community tools to help you succeed beyond the scale.
• Microdosing Our approach offers a more personalized way to ease into treatment—designed to minimize side effects while supporting metabolic health and hormonal balance.
