Dr. John Storment and Dr. Neil Chappell of Fertility Answers announcedtheir research collaboration with Woman’s Hospital Research Department and Woman’s Hospital Weight Loss and Metabolic Clinic to test the benefits of Saxenda® in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS affects up to 10% of women worldwide with the underlying cause being insulin resistance. Among other symptoms and long-term health risks, high insulin levels with PCOS can set into play a vicious cycle that makes weight loss extremely difficult.
This PCOS weight loss trial will be looking into the benefits of Saxenda® (Liraglutide 3 mg) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Liraglutide has been approved for weight loss in women with a body mass index greater than 30. However, previous studies of Liraglutide have not focused on women affected by PCOS. Evidence suggests that medical treatment using drugs that manage obesity may modify the physiological and behavioral processes that contribute to weight gain in women with PCOS.
Saxenda® is a prescription injectable medicine that is FDA-approved for weight loss. Research has shown that higher doses of drugs like Saxenda® for at least 20 weeks leads to weight loss in obese patients with or without type 2 diabetes. This PCOS weight loss trial will let us know if there is an opportunity to expand this medication to the treatment of obese PCOS patients.
To participate in the study, women must meet the following criteria:
-Age 18-45
-Body Mass Index (BMI) of greater than 30
-Diagnosed with PCOS by hyperandrogenism (elevated male hormone or excess facial hair) and irregular menstrual cyclicity (less than 8 cycles/year)
-Non-diabetic
-Willing to use effective non-hormonal contraception consistently for the study duration of 32 weeks
Medication, office visits, lab tests, and compensation are provided. For more information on the SAXA PCOS weight loss trial, contact Dr. Karen Elkind-Hirsch or Donna Shaler in Woman’s Research Department at (225) 231-5275.