Dr Shagaf Bakour, a gynaecologist and director of medical education at Aston Medical School, has won an NHS research grant to investigate the use of weight-loss drugs in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The project was co-developed with Dr Hoda Harb, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust who was a co-applicant on the funded grant.
PCOS is a common condition that affects how the ovaries work, affecting up to one in ten women of reproductive age. It can cause irregular periods, make it harder to get pregnant, and lead to symptoms such as acne or extra hair growth due to higher levels of male hormones (androgens). It is also linked to weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes and heart and circulation problems.
A type of medicine called GLP-1 receptor agonists – more commonly known as weight-loss and blood sugar control drugs, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) –are already widely used. These medicines may also help women with PCOS, who are more likely to experience obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and related heart and circulation prob