Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in reproductive-age women, affecting 8–13% and causing irregular periods, excess androgens (leading to acne and unwanted hair growth), and polycystic ovaries. It is also closely linked to insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
What's actually going on in research
GLP-1 receptor agonists are showing strong benefits for PCOS beyond weight loss — reducing androgen levels, improving ovulation, and lowering cardiovascular risk — and dedicated PCOS trials are underway. Inositol supplementation and newer insulin-sensitizing drugs are being compared with metformin as first-line metabolic treatment. Fertility outcomes, long-term cardiometabolic risk, and psychological quality of life are emerging as important trial endpoints alongside hormonal markers.
GLP-1 agonists for PCOS
Semaglutide and liraglutide reduce body weight, androgen levels, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS, and trials are measuring their effects on ovulation, fertility, and metabolic risk.
Insulin sensitizers
Metformin combined with inositol supplements or newer insulin-sensitizing drugs is being compared in trials for improving menstrual regularity, fertility, and androgen levels.
Fertility treatment optimization
Letrozole, combined with lifestyle and metabolic therapy, is being refined in trials as the preferred ovulation induction approach in PCOS, compared with and combined with newer fertility drugs.
What to know before you search
Eligibility requires a PCOS diagnosis (Rotterdam criteria), often specifies menstrual irregularity, androgen excess or polycystic morphology, BMI range, and reproductive goals.
What types of trials are currently open
- Metabolic treatment trials — Testing GLP-1 agonists, metformin, inositol, and combination approaches for insulin resistance and androgen excess.
- Fertility trials — Comparing ovulation induction protocols and IVF approaches in women with PCOS and infertility.
- Cardiovascular risk trials — Testing whether metabolic treatment reduces long-term heart and diabetes risk in PCOS.
- Lifestyle trials — Evaluating dietary approaches, exercise programs, and behavioral support for weight and symptom management.
- Adolescent PCOS trials — Testing early intervention approaches to prevent PCOS progression and metabolic complications in teenagers.
Recently added Polycystic Ovary Syndrome trials
Construction of a Multi-dimensional Risk Assessment System: a Clinical Study of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Complicated With Thrombophilia
This observational case-control study aims to develop a multidimensional risk assessment model for thrombophilia-related abnormalities in females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study will analyze endocrine, metabolic, and genetic factors associated with decreased protein C and/or protein S levels in participants with PCOS. The results are expected to provide evidence for risk stratification and individualized management in this population.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Metabolic Outcomes in PCOS
The primary outcome of interest is change in PCOS health-related quality of life, while the secondary outcome of interest is change in adiposity, cardiometabolic, and inflammation biomarkers.
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