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Review
. 2023 Jul 10;12(14):4575.
doi: 10.3390/jcm12144575.

The Potential Utility of Tirzepatide for the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Alekya Devi Anala  1 , Insiya Sajjad Hussain Saifudeen  1 , Maryam Ibrahim  1 , Moksha Nanda  1 , Nida Naaz  1 , Stephen L Atkin  1
Affiliations
Review

The Potential Utility of Tirzepatide for the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Alekya Devi Anala et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. The metabolic dysfunction associated with PCOS increases the probability of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), endometrial cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that the metabolic features of PCOS may be improved by weight loss following treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists. Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) receptor agonist that shares a very similar mechanism of action with GLP-1R agonists, and it is hypothesized that it may be a potential contender in the treatment of PCOS. The success of GLP-1R agonists is usually hindered by their adverse gastrointestinal effects, leading to reduced compliance. The mechanism of action of Tirzepatide partly addresses this issue, as its dual receptor affinity may reduce the intensity of gastrointestinal symptoms. Tirzepatide has been licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and given the metabolic issues and obesity that accompanies PCOS, it may be of value in its management for those PCOS patients who are obese with metabolic syndrome, although it may not benefit those who are of normal weight. This study reviews the current therapies for the treatment of PCOS and evaluates the potential use of Tirzepatide to address the symptoms of PCOS, including reproductive dysfunction, obesity, and insulin resistance.

Keywords: glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist; hyperandrogenism; insulin resistance; metabolic dysfunction; obesity; polycystic ovary syndrome; tirzepatide; weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic of the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Hormonal and metabolic features of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-RA).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Changes from baseline body weight to end of treatment in SURPASS 1-5 [109,110,111,112,113].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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