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
Try personalized acupuncture and lifestyle changes for PCOS
This study is designed as a prospective, multicenter, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a "precision acupuncture + personalized lifestyle" intervention, guided by dynamic multimodal risk monitoring based on the four diagnostic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), in improving insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Compared with "conventional acupuncture + standard lifestyle intervention," the study will primarily assess changes in the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) after 12 weeks of treatment. The safety of the intervention, improvements in endocrine and metabolic profiles, menstrual and ovulatory outcomes, psychological status, quality of life, and health-economic outcomes will also be evaluated. The study aims to provide evidence for establishing an intelligent and individualized clinical management model for PCOS.
Try a tailored meal plan featuring lean beef for hormonal health
This pilot randomized controlled study will plan to enroll 36 adolescent females with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)/Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a tailored dietary intervention which will be termed "Beef+", that will emphasize the incorporation of unprocessed, lean beef (\<10% fat) as part of a healthy meal plan to improve glycemic control, diet quality, and health-related quality of life
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