Effects of GLP1RAs on pregnancy rate and menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis and systematic review

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on pregnancy rate, menses, anthropometric and hormonal parameters in PCOS patients. METHODS: We conducted searches of the published literature in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science up to September 2022. Data from randomized controlled trials were obtained to assess the effects of GLP1RAs in PCOS women. Weighted mean difference, standardized mean difference, and risks ratio were employed for effect size estimation using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 840 patients with 469 individuals in GLP1RAs group and 371 individuals in control group from 11 RCTs were included. GLP1RAs usage was associated with an improvement in natural pregnancy rate (RR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.43, P = 0.002, I(2) = 0%) and menstrual regularity (SMD: 1.72, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.85, P < 0.001, I(2) = 95.6%). There were no statistically significant differences in total pregnancy rate, IVF pregnancy rate between two groups, but total PR elevated in a short time after GLP1RAs as shown in subgroup analysis. Randomization to GLP1RAs treatment was associated with great improvement in HOMA-IR, BMI, WC, SHBG and a slight reduction in TT compared to control group. A decrease in TBF was seen in European population. GLP1RAs monotherapy was not superior to metformin when it came to fT, DHEAS, FAI. CONCLUSIONS: Prescription of GLP1RAs improves natural pregnancy rate, menstrual cyclicity and insulin sensitivity, anthropometrics, hormonal indexes in PCOS women. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12902-023-01500-5.