Summary

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects the reproductive life and metabolism of women. The pathophysiology of PCOS involves insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, leading to abnormal gonadotropin secretion, hyperandrogenism and anovulation. PCOS is seen more commonly in women with obesity, and obesity is more common in women with PCOS. Obesity plays a role in the development of PCOS and especially insulin resistance that is central to the development of PCOS, may contribute to weight gain and prevent effective weight loss. As mentioned in the latest international guidelines, ameliorating insulin resistance and enabling weight loss are important components in the management of PCOS. GLP-1 receptor analogs (GLP-1 RAs) are a group of agents that have been developed for use in type 2 diabetes mellitus to lower blood glucose, in addition to being indicated in the treatment of obesity. Thus GLP-1 RAs may have a role in the management of PCOS, both due to their effect on weight loss, and through pleiotropic effects like ameliorating insulin resistance, decreasing inflammation and modulation of adiposity. Considering these effects, the purpose of this review was to conduct a systematic search and a narrative synthesis on the effect of GLP-1 RAs regarding the metabolic and reproductive outcomes of PCOS, trying to provide the mechanistic link between the mechanism of action of GLP-RAs and the pathophysiology of PCOS.