Can Medication Like Mounjaro Help Manage PCOS Symptoms?

Are you suffering from PCOS symptoms and looking for a solution that works? Mounjaro has gained worldwide attention as a tool for weight loss and blood sugar control—but anecdotally, it is useful for other chronic conditions as well. Polycystic ovary syndrome in women is one of the chronic conditions. In this blog, we will discuss how Mounjaro can lead to significant improvements in symptoms like menstrual regularity, hormonal balance, and weight management. We will also discuss what experts recommend regarding its use and how you can manage the symptoms with Mounjaro 2.5 mg. 

What Are the Symptoms of PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder. It is indicated by inconsistent or missing menstrual cycles, excess androgen, and obesity. The common symptoms include:

• Menstrual irregularities, missed periods, or light periods
• Large or cystic ovaries
• Hair growth on the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism)
• Hair on the scalp gets thinner and may fall out.
• Gaining weight, especially around the belly (abdomen)
• Skin problems such as acne or oiliness
• Having difficulty conceiving 
• The presence of small excess pieces of skin on the neck or under armpits (skin tags).
• Patches of dark or thick skin on the back of the neck, under the breasts, or in the armpits

[Note: PCOS affects approximately 8–13% of women of reproductive age as per the World Health Organisation].

How Mounjaro Can Ease PCOS Symptoms?

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that was FDA-approved in May 2022 for treating type 2 diabetes. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. But it also stimulates glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. This unique feature makes it the first dual GLP-1/GIP drug. Here’s how it works:

1. It Promotes Weight Loss

In a 40-week clinical trial published in 2023 by the JAMA Network of patients with type 2 diabetes, tripeptide led to significantly more weight loss compared to other diabetes medications.

• Tirazepatide caused an average weight loss of 16.2 to 22.5 pounds, depending on the dosage. It’s roughly 5-7 times more weight loss than with semaglutide.
• In 50% of patients taking tirzepatide, weight loss was at least 10%.

Patients with PCOS who are obese may benefit from tirzepatide’s weight-loss properties. A 5 to 10 percent weight loss can make a significant difference in the symptoms of PCOS.

2. It Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

Tirzepatide improves insulin sensitivity and lowers A1c (a blood test that measures blood sugar over the past three months). The key to preventing diabetes in PCOS patients is lowering their blood sugar levels in a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Science that compared the efficacy of tirzepatide and semaglutide in reducing A1c levels and fasting blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that tirzepatide lowered A1c levels by 1.9-2.2% more than semaglutide and reduced fasting blood glucose levels by 18-31 mg/dL more than semaglutide.

3. It Has Fewer GI Side Effects

Patients can be discouraged from continuing treatment by temporary nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other GI side effects caused by GLP-1 drugs. But tirzepatide’s dual mechanism reduces these side effects. For instance, in a study published by Jama Network journal in December 2023, only 4-7% of the patients using tirzepatide stopped treatment due to GI issues vs. 11% of semaglutide patients. 

As a result of the milder side effect profile, tirzepatide treatment may be more likely to be adhered to. Although more studies on tirzepatide for PCOS are needed, researchers are optimistic about its potential. It may be possible to manage the symptoms even better with tirzepatide because of its effective weight loss and blood sugar improvement.

Do Experts Recommend Using Mounjaro for PCOS?

In a Good Morning America Newsletter interview, Dr. Rekha Kumar, a reputable endocrinologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, specializing in obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, put light on the possible advantages of medications like Mounjaro in addressing insulin resistance associated with PCOS. While Mounjaro doesn’t directly treat the disorder, it effectively tackles a significant symptom – weight gain, linked to the hormonal tendency towards carbohydrate consumption due to insulin resistance. Dr. Kumar clarified that women with PCOS often produce excess insulin in response to carbohydrates, promoting fat storage. Therefore, by regulating blood sugar and curbing insulin-related weight gain, Mounjaro presents a promising avenue in managing PCOS symptoms, offering valuable insights into the positive results of this medication.

Is Mounjaro Safe During Pregnancy?

Dr Rekha explained further that women with PCOS who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid taking Mounjaro. We just have to make sure that patients understand the known and unknown risks of getting pregnant while on these medications since insulin resistance increases a woman’s fertility. We just have to be very careful when educating on the risks to women who thought they could never become pregnant if they were taking these medicines.

In an FDA report, it was noted that there was insufficient data on the effects of these drugs on pregnant women. It is recommended that women avoid using this product during pregnancy. According to the agency, pregnant women should cease taking the drug two months before conceiving because weight loss has no benefits for them.

What Causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

PCOS is not known to have a specific cause. There are several factors that might contribute to this:

1. Insulin Resistance

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is often associated with insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells resist the effects of insulin, leading to increased blood sugar levels. In response, the body produces excess insulin, triggering an overproduction of androgens. This hormonal imbalance can disrupt ovulation, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles. Physical indicators of insulin resistance may include velvety skin patches in areas like the neck and armpits, heightened appetite, and weight gain.

2. Low-Grade Inflammation

PCOS is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation, where white blood cells release substances in response to prolonged inflammatory signals. This inflammation contributes to the ovaries producing excessive androgens, disrupting normal ovulation. Beyond its impact on fertility, this inflammation poses long-term health risks, potentially increasing the likelihood of heart disease and vascular complications.

3. Excess Androgen

A defining characteristic of PCOS is the increased production of androgens, primarily from the ovaries. High androgen levels hinder the regular release of eggs during ovulation, leading to irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, increased androgens may manifest as male-pattern baldness and acne. The disruption in the delicate hormonal balance further complicates fertility and contributes to the varied symptoms associated with the disorder.

What Other Treatments Help PCOS?

In PCOS treatment, the main focus is on managing the things that are bothering you. Infertility, male pattern baldness, acne, or obesity can be among these conditions. A specific treatment might involve a change in lifestyle or medication:

Lifestyle changes

You may be recommended to lose weight through a low-calorie diet and moderate exercise. Your condition might be improved by even a modest weight loss, for example, losing 5% of your body weight. Weight loss may improve the effectiveness of medications your provider recommends for PCOS, as well as help with infertility. You can work with your healthcare provider and a registered dietitian to determine the best weight-loss plan for you.

Medications

Your healthcare provider might recommend the following to regulate your periods:

• Estrogen + Progestin Pills: They decrease androgen production and regulate estrogen levels. Endometrial cancer can be reduced by regulating your hormones, and irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth can be treated.
• Progestin Therapy: You can regulate your periods and protect against endometrial cancer by taking progestin for 10 to 14 days every 1 to 2 months. The therapy will not improve androgen levels or prevent pregnancy. It is better to use a progestin-only mini pill or a progestin-containing intrauterine device if you also wish to avoid pregnancy.

How to Lessen the Impact of PCOS Naturally?

It isn’t possible to prevent most cases of PCOS, but a healthy lifestyle can help prevent its most serious complications. It includes eating a balanced diet and exercising to maintain a healthy weight. You can reduce the impact of PCOS on your health and quality of life by taking the following measures:

1. Start your day with an apple cider vinegar tonic. It’s believed to help your body’s natural elimination process, balance pH levels, and control candida, bacteria, and yeast build-up.
2. Adopt a whole foods diet, focusing on foods straight from the earth. You don’t have to go fully plant-based but aim for 95% whole foods, including vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and leafy greens. Avoid white flour, processed meats, corn syrup, and high-sugar foods. Initially challenging, but once your body adjusts, cravings for processed snacks diminish.
3. Integrate raw cacao into your daily diet for its rich content of iron and magnesium, essential for maintaining healthy blood and hormone balance. A daily tablespoon of raw cacao can positively impact hormones, skin health, and energy levels.
4. Prioritize iron-rich foods that extend beyond traditional red meat. Include a variety of nutrient-dense options such as spinach, goji berries, kale, chickpeas, and lentils in your daily meals to support your body’s iron requirements.
5. Modify your exercise routine by opting for enjoyable, low-impact activities such as barre, yoga, Pilates, walking, and bike riding. Focus on activities that bring joy rather than high-stress workouts, promoting sustainable physical well-being.
6. Add supplements to support your body. Consider zinc, evening primrose oil, ashwagandha, and a multivitamin after consulting with your healthcare practitioner. You can also buy Mounjaro online from Polar Bear Meds, the best Canadian online pharmacy, at discounted prices.

Wrapping Up

Mounjaro stands out as a medication that can help manage PCOS. It has been shown to positively influence weight loss, menstrual regulation, and overall well-being. However, it is important to approach any treatment with caution, especially during pregnancy. Dr. Rekha Kumar’s expert insights underscore the medication’s potential in addressing insulin resistance-related weight gain. As we explore diverse treatments and natural measures, seeking individual consultation from healthcare professionals remains a top priority. Mounjaro is backed by ongoing research and instills hope in those dealing with the intricate symptoms of PCOS.