Glucagon-like peptide-1 (aka, GLP-1) is a natural hormone produced in the gut and is key to blood sugar regulation, how full we feel, and slowing digestion. Boosting this natural hormone through supplements helps support metabolic health through balanced blood sugar, reduced inflammation, less insulin resistance, and improved gut health. And it can also help support women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by addressing some of the most common symptoms of the endocrine disorder.
The Link Between PCOS and GLP-1
“In women with PCOS, insulin resistance and gut health imbalances may disrupt GLP-1 signaling,” says Jennifer Nicole Bianchini, MS, RD, IFNCP, RYT, a functional dietitian and mind-body wellness expert. “This can lead to more frequent hunger, blood sugar spikes, and difficulty managing weight.” Other symptoms, such as cravings and energy crashes, can also get worse with GLP-1 hormone imbalances. “That’s why anything that gently supports our body’s natural GLP-1 production, like nourishing the gut, promoting healthy digestion, and supplements, can be part of a smart, whole-body PCOS approach,” she adds.
PCOS Symptoms
In addition to blood sugar spikes, gut health imbalances, weight gain, and insulin resistance, some common PCOS symptoms also include hair thinning, acne, oily skin, oily hair, irregular or absent periods, reproductive challenges (trouble conceiving or subfertility), hair growth on face, and dark skin around the neck, underarms, and along creases, says Dr. Nadia Musavvir, ND. These are the technical symptoms, but Dr. Musavvir says it’s not just a hormonal or reproductive issue. “It’s metabolic and tends to be [caused by] underlying inflammation, blood sugar dysregulation, along with hormonal imbalances.”
How GLP-1 Can Help With PCOS Symptoms
According to Dr. Sabrina Solt, NMD, naturopathic medical doctor and founder of Stem Cell Therapy Professionals, many women with PCOS have some degree of insulin resistance, which not only worsens hormone imbalances but also blunts the body’s natural GLP-1 response. She explains that this can become a vicious cycle of impaired GLP-1 function that then contributes to weight gain and blood sugar instability, which then further disrupts the hormonal landscape.
Balancing GLP-1 production through a natural GLP-1 booster like the HUM Nutrition Flatter Me Fiber GLP-1 Booster can help address some PCOS symptoms and support women with the common endocrine disorder through the benefits of fiber. “There are certain types of fibers that have been shown to naturally stimulate GLP-1 release in the gut, which can promote feelings of fullness and help support healthy digestion,” Bianchini explains. “For women with PCOS, fiber is important to support gut health, bowel regularity, digestion, and blood sugar balance.”
Strengthening the gut environment can also indirectly support natural GLP-1 activity, leading to a more regulated appetite and reduced blood sugar spikes after meals. However, taking a GLP-1 supporting supplement isn’t the only key to targeting GLP-1 for PCOS. Bianchini also recommends lifestyle changes like getting a good variety of vegetables, fiber, protein, and healthy fats on your plate, plus stress management to “encourage your body’s own built-in appetite and blood sugar regulation system.”
FAQs
How Does GLP-1 Affect Estrogen?
GLP-1 doesn’t directly impact estrogen levels, nor can it increase estrogen. However, estrogen naturally supports GLP-1 release and the two work together (especially in terms of weight management) to address metabolic health. Estrogen can also increase GLP-1 benefits.
Does GLP-1 Help Balance Hormones?
GLP-1 can naturally balance out hormones through its effects on metabolic health and weight management. Women with PCOS can benefit from the effects of GLP-1 (and even taking supplements that boost GLP-1 production, like the HUM Nutrition Flatter Me Fiber GLP-1 Booster and Best of Berberine) since it can help address insulin resistance, balance blood sugar levels, and target inflammation, all of which are common hormone disruptors.
The Takeaway
GLP-1 can be beneficial in managing PCOS symptoms, especially around weight management, insulin resistance, inflammation, and blood sugar. By taking a GLP-1 boosting supplement such as the HUM Nutrition Flatter Me Fiber GLP-1 Booster, which uses fiber to naturally stimulate GLP-1, or Best of Berberine for insulin resistance, you can target metabolic symptoms of PCOS.
