Polycystic ovary syndrome affects about one in ten women of reproductive age, causing irregular periods, elevated androgen hormones, and often insulin resistance. Current treatment addresses symptoms — birth control pills for cycle regulation, metformin for metabolic issues, fertility drugs when pregnancy is desired — but no therapy targets the underlying cause.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide for weight and metabolic improvements, inositol supplements for insulin sensitivity and egg quality, anti-androgen medications, and lifestyle interventions. Researchers are also studying the hormonal mechanisms that drive PCOS, including whether excess anti-Müllerian hormone plays a causal role.
GLP-1 receptor agonists
Drugs like semaglutide, already FDA-approved for diabetes and weight management, are being tested specifically in PCOS. Early evidence suggests they may improve insulin resistance, weight, and menstrual regularity.
Inositol
This supplement appears to improve insulin sensitivity and may help restore ovulation in some women with PCOS. Trials are comparing different forms and doses to standard treatments like metformin.
Anti-Müllerian hormone
Research suggests that elevated AMH may drive PCOS symptoms by disrupting normal hormone signaling. One small trial tested an AMH-blocking antibody with promising results, though larger studies are needed.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on PCOS diagnostic criteria (irregular cycles, elevated androgens, polycystic ovaries), body mass index, whether you're trying to conceive, and current medications.
What types of trials are currently open
- Metabolic trials — Testing medications and supplements to improve insulin resistance, blood sugar control, and weight. Often include metformin, GLP-1 drugs, or inositol.
- Fertility trials — Comparing treatments that help women with PCOS ovulate and conceive, including letrozole, clomiphene, metformin, and inositol.
- Hormonal trials — Testing medications that lower androgen levels or block androgen effects, aiming to reduce acne, excess hair growth, and menstrual irregularity.
- Lifestyle intervention trials — Studies of structured diet, exercise, or behavioral programs to see how lifestyle changes affect PCOS symptoms and long-term health risks.
- Mechanism studies — Research to understand what causes PCOS, often measuring hormones, metabolism markers, and ovarian function in women with and without the condition.
Recently added Polycystic Ovary Syndrome trials
Efficacy of Ovarian Drilling Via vNOTES Laparoscopy in Patients With PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition among young women (the leading endocrine disorder) and is responsible for 70% of anovulatory infertility cases. Clinically, it has been defined since 2003 by the Rotterdam criteria, according to the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. PCOS represents a significant challenge in reproductive medicine, as it is associated with infertility rates ranging from 20% to 74%. Ovarian stimulation is the first-line treatment for PCOS, as no etiological treatment is available. The first-line pharmacological treatment is Clomiphene Citrate. In cases where Clomiphene Citrate fails, the second-line treatment is ovarian drilling. Traditionally, ovarian drilling was performed via laparoscopy or fertiloscopy. Fertiloscopy had the advantage of being quicker and scarless for patients, with reported failure and conversion rates to laparoscopy of 10% to 20% depending on the studies. However, fertiloscopy is no longer practiced due to the discontinuation of the device. With the advent of vNOTES laparoscopy (Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery) in the 2010s for benign gynecological conditions, the possibility of a new vaginal approach for ovarian drilling is now being considered. The Primary Objective is to Evaluate the efficacy of ovarian drilling via vNOTES laparoscopy in terms of resumption of spontaneous ovulatory cycles in PCOS patients requiring surgical treatment. Study Type: Single-center, randomized, controlled, two-arm, proof-of-concept study. Number of Centers: 1 Study Description: During the gynecology consultation, if an indication for ovarian drilling is established, the patient will be invited to participate in the study protocol. The study information sheet, detailing the study procedures and objectives, along with the consent form, will be provided to the patient. A second consultation with the investigator will be scheduled to address any questions following a reflection period. If the patient consents, both she and the investigator will sign the consent form. Randomization will be conducted using REDCap® software. The patient will then be assigned to either the vNOTES group or the laparoscopy group. Surgery will be performed by surgeons designated as "experts" in the respective surgical approach. The procedure will follow the standard techniques of the department. Ovulatory cycle resumption will be assessed 6 months postoperatively during a follow-up consultation.
The Value of LC-MS/MS Detection of Androgen Profiles in the Diagnosis of PCOS: A Prospective, Multicenter Real-world Study
Introduction : Androgens play a vital role in the female reproductive system, influencing ovarian follicular development, oocyte quality, and ovarian responsiveness to controlled ovarian stimulation. The main circulating androgens include dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (AD), testosterone (T), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Studies have shown that androgens promote early follicular growth by regulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor expression and the intrafollicular microenvironment; however, excessive levels may interfere with follicular maturation and ovulation, leading to ovarian dysfunction. Total testosterone (TT) represents the sum of bound and free circulating testosterone. The majority of circulating testosterone is tightly bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or loosely bound to albumin (ALB), α-globulins, and corticosteroid-binding globulin, with only 1-4% existing as free testosterone (FT). Only free testosterone can enter cells and exert biological effects. Because SHBG concentrations are readily influenced by sex, age, body weight, metabolic syndrome, SHBG gene polymorphisms, and certain medications, whereas FT is unaffected by SHBG, FT is considered an ideal marker for assessing bioactive testosterone status. Free testosterone, as the most biologically active androgen form, is closely correlated with ovarian response, particularly in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS）is widely recognized as a highly accurate method for determining androgen profiles. However, due to various factors such as cost, large-scale studies using mass spectrometry to measure androgen profiles have not yet been conducted, and there is even a lack of research on the diagnostic performance of mass spectrometry-derived androgen profiles for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance (AUC, sensitivity, and specificity) of LC-MS/MS-measured androgen profiles in a multicenter real-world cohort for PCOS diagnosis. We will compare the diagnostic value of DHEA-S, DHEA, AD, T, DHT, and FT, and develop a multi-marker combined diagnostic model using machine learning to optimize the diagnostic efficacy for PCOS. The primary research question is: Can LC-MS/MS-measured androgen profiles improve the diagnostic accuracy for PCOS? By recruiting an appropriate number of participants and measuring the above serum biomarkers, we will statistically analyze the diagnostic performance of LC-MS/MS-determined androgen profiles, especially free testosterone (FT), in PCOS.
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