You’ve tried eating clean, squeezing in regular workouts, and keeping up with your medications—yet your PCOS symptoms still feel unrelenting. For many women, managing polycystic ovary syndrome isn’t just about balancing hormones or improving fertility; it’s a daily battle with unpredictable weight gain, skin issues, fatigue, and emotional ups and downs. Now, with the dawn of revolutionary GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, a new question is building steam in endocrinology clinics and support groups equally: Can this diabetes medication really help treat PCOS? As science starts to unravel the intersection of insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, and obesity in PCOS, Ozempic is making its quiet case—both with promise and caution.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is present in close to five million women in the United States, making it a very prevalent endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women. PCOS is defined by hormonal imbalance, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, hirsutism, and infertility. PCOS is a complex condition. Interestingly, as many as 88% of women who have PCOS are overweight or obese, and this has been known to worsen symptoms while precipitating metabolic complications like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

With increasing popularity of weight-loss medication such as Ozempic, PCOS women are wondering if these drugs might be able to alleviate their symptoms. Let's take a closer look at what Ozempic is, how it works, and if it's a good and safe treatment for PCOS.

What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a type of medication referred to as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Initially formulated and FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes, these drugs—as Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Victoza—are designed to mimic the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that acts crucially in maintaining blood sugar levels. GLP-1 medications assist in:

• Stimulating insulin release when blood glucose is elevated
• Suppressing glucagon secretion to decrease liver glucose production
• Slow gastric emptying to delay fullness
• Trigger the brain to reduce appetite

These effects not only stabilize blood glucose but also induce weight loss, which is frequently a cornerstone in treating PCOS.

Link Between PCOS, Insulin, and Obesity

PCOS has a close link with insulin resistance, or the body's cells resisting insulin. This compels the pancreas to secrete more insulin to keep the blood glucose levels in check. Elevated insulin levels, in turn, stimulate the ovaries to secrete excess androgens (male hormones such as testosterone), which disrupt ovulation and cause symptoms such as acne, weight gain, and hair growth.

By enhancing insulin sensitivity and facilitating weight loss, GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic could potentially alleviate the underlying hormonal derangements responsible for PCOS symptoms.

How Does Ozempic Work for PCOS?

Though Ozempic is not FDA-approved for use in PCOS, it can be a viable off-label choice, based on research. In 2023, the results of a review of 26 clinical trials were published that concluded GLP-1 agonists were effective in decreasing body weight and improving metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. These effects translated to enhanced menstrual regularity, improved blood sugar control, and decreased androgen levels.

Experts note that insulin resistance is at the core of PCOS. Treatments that enhance insulin sensitivity, including GLP-1 medications, tend to enhance PCOS symptoms in consequence. Weight loss can lower androgen levels and alleviate symptoms such as excess hair growth and acne.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

Like all medication, Ozempic also has risks. Side effects that are commonly seen are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Burp and heartburn
• Stomach pain

These side effects generally resolve over time but may differ in magnitude. Care must be exercised in consultation with a doctor to track symptoms and modify dosage as necessary.

Can Ozempic Use Impact Fertility?

One limitation on the use of Ozempic for PCOS is the absence of information about fertility. Because the medication is not FDA-approved for PCOS, there are no standards for safe use before or during pregnancy attempts. Physicians might recommend stopping Ozempic to women who are trying to conceive, but how long is safe to wait is still unknown.

In addition, the lack of FDA approval indicates that dosage regimens, safety profiles, and long-term side effects unique to PCOS are still being established.

Other Ways You Can Treat PCOS

Ozempic might be promising, but it is not the only solution. Evidence-based PCOS treatment also involves:

• Hormonal birth control to control cycles and lower androgen levels
• Anti-androgen drugs to control acne and hirsutism
• Lifestyle modifications, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Metformin, a classic insulin-sensitizing medication

These approaches can be combined to suit the specific needs of each woman, especially those who are not obese or are intending pregnancy.

Should You Try Ozempic for PCOS?

If you have PCOS and are having trouble with weight or insulin resistance—and are not trying to get pregnant at this time—Ozempic may be an option. But it is crucial that you see an endocrinologist or reproductive health specialist to see if it will be right for your specific situation.

Although the potential benefits are great, these need to be balanced against the absence of FDA approval, possible side effects, and the unknown of long-term use for this particular condition.

Ozempic is not a treatment for PCOS but can potentially control major symptoms such as insulin resistance, weight gain, and hormonal imbalance. With ongoing research and increased data, GLP-1 drugs might become a more common part of PCOS therapy. For now, personalized treatment still stands as the optimal strategy.

Heart disease is a major problem throughout the world. Being one of the top killers globally, doctors often urge people to understand the symptoms and early signs of heart issues. While there are many emergency treatments people go for when a health situation like a heart attack, stroke, or blockage arises, it is best to take preventative measures as the results are better when you catch the issue early.

When one says heart issues, people often picture a person feeling chest pains and heavy breathing. While there is one sign of deteriorating heart health, there are other more subtle signs as well. Here are some overlooked signs of heart health, according to the British Heart Foundation

Swollen Ankles Can Signal Heart Trouble

Swollen ankles or feet can be a quiet but important sign that your heart isn't working as well as it should. If your heart isn't pumping efficiently, blood can build up in other parts of your body, causing fluid to collect. While swelling can also happen from standing a lot or other health issues, ongoing or unexplained swelling, especially with breathlessness or tiredness, might mean heart failure or circulation problems. If swelling continues or gets worse, it's vital to get medical advice.

Stomach Pain: More Than Just Indigestion?

Sometimes, stomach pain can be a sign of heart issues, even though it's often mistaken for indigestion. Because these symptoms can feel like common stomach problems, they're often overlooked. If your stomach pain won't go away, happens when you exert yourself, or comes with breathlessness, tiredness, or sweating, it's important to see a doctor to rule out more serious concerns.

Unexpected Sweating Can Be a Red Flag

Sweating a lot without a clear reason, like heat or exercise, can be an early warning sign of heart problems. If you start to feel hot and clammy along with chest pains, you should get urgent medical help right away.

Arm and Leg Pain

Leg pain or cramps in your calves could signal peripheral artery disease (PAD), where blood vessels in your legs are narrowed or blocked. This type of pain, especially during activity, means less blood is flowing to your muscles. Having PAD can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. If you have ongoing leg pain or cramping during activity, talk to a healthcare professional.

Arm pain can also be a key warning sign of a heart attack, often feeling like pain spreading from your chest to your arms. This can come with other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. If you have unexplained arm pain with these signs, get medical help immediately.

Persistent Tiredness: A Sign Your Heart Needs Checking

Constant fatigue, especially when you've had enough sleep and haven't overdone it, can be an early sign of poor heart health. If your heart isn't pumping well, your muscles and tissues get less oxygen-rich blood, making you feel constantly tired or weak. This is often noticeable during everyday activities that used to be easy, like climbing stairs. If you're unusually drained or have low energy often, consider a heart health check. There are even home tests available that can help you understand your heart age and risk factors.

Palpitations and High Blood Pressure: Key Indicators

Frequent or severe palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or fluttering) can sometimes be harmless, but they might point to an underlying heart condition or an abnormal heart rhythm. One common abnormal rhythm, called atrial fibrillation, can increase your risk of a stroke. Pay attention to these feelings, especially if they come with dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, and seek medical advice to manage your heart health.

High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for heart disease. If your blood pressure is too high, it can damage your arteries. You can often get free blood pressure checks at pharmacies to help assess your heart health

“The Boys” actress Erin Moriarty is using her platform to spotlight an often-overlooked autoimmune condition— Graves' disease. In an intimate Instagram post, Moriarty, 30, explained how she thought her symptoms were just stress and exhaustion but was properly diagnosed with Graves' disease last month—an autoimmune disease that impacts 1 in 100 Americans.

Erin Moriarty, posted on Instagram to announce she has been diagnosed with Graves' disease. At first, she had written off her symptoms as just "stress and fatigue." But after treatment began last month, she felt an incredible change in her health. "Within 24 hours of starting treatment, I started feeling the light turn back on — and it's just gotten brighter ever since," she posted. Encouraging her fans to listen to their own health, she added, "If your light is fading, even a little bit, go get checked."

This revelation doesn't just underscore the need to heed our bodies—it also yanks Graves' disease out of medical invisibility and into mainstream health conversation. Here's what you need to know about the condition, its symptoms, who it most affects, and how early diagnosis can be a life-saver.

What Is Graves' Disease?

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid gland, leading it to release excessive hormones beyond what the body requires. It results in hyperthyroidism—overactive metabolism—and impacts almost every organ in the body.

As stated by the National Institutes of Health, this hormonal excess can interrupt the normal energy balance of the body and lead to a wide range of symptoms that may go unseen or be attributed to contemporary stressors.

Moriarty's story is typical of numerous instances in which early symptoms of autoimmune malfunction are written off. "Autoimmune disease presents differently in everybody/every body," she wrote. In her case, it was a strange degree of fatigue and emotional burnout. "If I hadn't attributed it all to stress and fatigue, I would've caught this sooner."

Within 24 hours of starting treatment, Moriarty reported feeling "the light coming back on"—evidence of how rapidly Graves' disease can recover with the proper treatment when caught early.

Signs of Graves' Disease to Watch Out For

Graves' disease has no one, obvious symptom. Rather, it's usually a disorienting mix of physical and emotional symptoms. Early signs are:

• Sensitivity to heat
• Unexplained weight loss even though appetite is normal or increased
• Fatigue, insomnia, or nervousness
• Anxiety, irritability, and tremors
• With worsening of the disease, people may have:
• Rapid heart rate or palpitations
• Increased bowel movements
• Shortness of breath
• Interrupted menstrual periods
• Erectile dysfunction or decreased libido

One of the more overt effects is Graves' ophthalmopathy—occasionally seen in a third of patients—which may result in:

• Bulging or irritated eyes
• Blurred or double vision
• Light sensitivity
• Eye pressure or pain

It is rare that patients will develop Graves' dermopathy, a thickened and colored skin eruption, particularly on the shins.

What Causes Graves' Disease?

Though precise causes are unknown, the Cleveland Clinic identifies a combination of environmental and genetic factors. A renegade immune system starts to make antibodies that hyperstimulate the thyroid gland. Heredity accounts for approximately 79% of the risk factor, but stress, infections, and hormonal changes may serve as the trigger.

Moriarty's experience is familiar to many young women who discount recurring symptoms until they have reached a crisis point. "Within 24 hours of starting treatment," she wrote, "I began to feel the light coming on."

Who's Most at Risk?

Graves' disease is a relatively uncommon condition, but it strikes disproportionately against women, five times more likely to be diagnosed than men. Risk factors are:

• Family history of autoimmune disorders
• Deficiency in vitamin D or selenium
• Smoking
• Underlying conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, or rheumatoid arthritis

Women in their 20s and 30s—such as Moriarty—are especially susceptible, making it even more important to be aware of it early on, says Yale Medicine.

Treating Graves' Disease

In the U.S., treatment usually begins with medicines known as antithyroid medications, such as methimazole or propylthiouracil, which suppress the production of thyroid hormones. Most individuals start feeling better within a short time, but complete remission takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months.

When medications do not bring long-term relief from Graves' disease, more intensive measures may be needed. Radioiodine therapy is a common technique that destroys the excess thyroid tissue. When the condition is more severe or does not respond to other measures, a thyroidectomy might be necessary. Because both procedures can result in hypothyroidism, hormone replacement therapy is usually lifelong to sustain hormonal equilibrium. As in the case of Erin Moriarty, identifying symptoms early and taking prompt action can greatly enhance the quality of life and avert complications.

What Are The Risks of Not Treating Graves' Disease?

Untreated, Graves' disease can severely impact overall health and result in several complications. One of the more alarming risks is atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heart rhythm that can worsen to heart failure or stroke. In extreme cases, the patient can suffer a thyroid storm — a sudden and life-threatening injection of thyroid hormones. The disease also leads to osteoporosis over time, making the patient more prone to fractures through weakened bones. Furthermore, there's also a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. For pregnant women, the stakes are even greater: if left untreated, Graves' disease can result in severe consequences including miscarriage, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and low birth weight. These complications make early diagnosis and continued management critically important.

Celebrity disclosures like Moriarty’s bring invaluable attention to conditions that are often misunderstood or stigmatized. By sharing her journey, Moriarty not only shed light on Graves’ disease but also issued a crucial call to action,“Go get checked.”

If you’ve been experiencing persistent fatigue, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained weight loss, don’t ignore the signs. In Moriarty’s words: “If yours is dimming, even slightly, go get checked.”

Memory loss can be seen as a normal sign of aging. As our age progresses, so does our ability to retain certain things. Dementia, however, is different than just forgetting things. It not only affects your memories, but it also changes your behavior patterns and thinking capabilities as well. It can change a person to their core, even the things that may be a huge part of their personality.

A charity is highlighting key dementia symptoms that are more than just "normal aging." A recent survey shows that a huge 85% of people in the UK put off getting help. Getting a diagnosis early means the person can get the best support and treatment they need as soon as possible.

Dementia has no cure; hence, the best way to ensure one's quality of life does not severely decline, one must get treatment quickly. While you may not be able to eradicate the disease, you can get its symptoms under control.

Why People Delay Seeking Help

A survey by the Alzheimer's Society found that only a third of people tell their doctor about dementia symptoms within a month of noticing them. This includes noticing symptoms in themselves or a loved one. Only 15% sought help "immediately," meaning most people (75%) waited to get advice.

Many of the 1,100 people surveyed stayed quiet because they weren't sure if the symptoms were from dementia or just normal aging. About one in three people (33%) who noticed symptoms kept their worries to themselves for over a month. Another 11% hadn't even talked about their concerns despite seeing the first signs. This delay often leads to people waiting a long time for medical advice, with almost a quarter waiting more than six months to see a doctor.

Early signs of dementia, like trouble following conversations, difficulty concentrating, and memory lapses, are often mistaken for normal aging things like hearing loss or simply forgetting things. The survey also found that 16% of people actively "avoid" getting a diagnosis because they're scared of how it might affect their relationships. Plus, 44% worried about family or caregivers starting to "talk down" to them.

Key Early Indicators of Dementia

The survey pointed out seven possible early signs of dementia:

• Trouble following a conversation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss
• Hearing loss
• Forgetfulness
• Mood swings
• Difficulty moving

The former CEO of the Alzheimer's Society emphasized the need to be more open about dementia, saying we "can't continue to avoid the 'd' word."

Dementia vs. Normal Aging: What's the Difference?

The charity helps explain the difference between signs of Alzheimer's and dementia versus typical age-related changes. Signs of Alzheimer's and dementia often include:

• Poor judgment and making bad decisions
• Inability to manage money
• Losing track of the date or season
• Struggling to have a conversation
• Misplacing things and being unable to find them again
• Making a bad decision once in a while
• Missing a monthly payment occasionally
• Forgetting which day it is but remembering later
• Sometimes forgetting a word
• Losing things from time to time