Charlotte Touzalin, now an 18-year-old student from Colorado, began experiencing symptoms common in polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) during her teenage years. These symptoms included weight gain, irregular periods, and facial hair growth, similar to what her mother, Anne Schultz, faced for many years.
Both were eventually diagnosed with PMOS, a condition affecting 1 in 8 women globally. Unlike her mother, Touzalin has hope for managing the condition due to participating in a study involving GLP-1 drugs. These medications, commonly used for obesity, may also benefit PMOS sufferers by helping with weight loss, insulin resistance, hormone balance, and ovulation.
Dr. Melanie Cree, who has conducted several studies on GLP-1 drugs for PMOS, highlights the effectiveness of these drugs. Notably, they have shown promise in symptom improvement for women with PMOS, a condition characterized by complex symptoms overlapping with other disorders and often dismissed by medical professionals.
“We need to do a better job taking care of it,” Cree said.
PMOS often involves insulin resistance; this can lead to high insulin levels, affecting ovarian function and causing increased testosterone production. Symptoms can range from irregular periods to severe acne and excess hair growth.
Touzalin’s journey illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing PMOS. Her mother, Schultz, was unaware of the condition when her symptoms began. Misdiagnoses further complicated her experience, leading to frustration until a nurse practitioner recognized a pattern a few years ago. Cree confirmed the diagnosis, providing a path forward.
During a study led by Cree, Touzalin administered semaglutide shots for 10 months, improving her symptoms significantly—normalizing her periods and reducing facial hair growth. For the first time, she could maintain a healthy weight and felt satisfied after meals.
Data from this study, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, indicates that participants lost substantial weight, had improved testosterone levels, and experienced more regular periods. Although different variations of GLP-1 drugs have been tested, the results consistently show efficacy in treating PMOS.
While many doctors prescribe these drugs “off label” for PMOS, insurance often denies coverage since these medications are not officially approved for the condition. Despite their potential benefits, GLP-1 drugs can have side effects and vary in effectiveness from patient to patient. If discontinued, users may regain lost weight.
Insurance issues remain a significant obstacle, as highlighted by Touzalin’s struggle to access these medications post-study. Her mother, Schultz, continues to seek coverage through insurers and considers pharmaceutical assistance to ensure treatment for her daughter.
Touzalin hopes for broader access to this promising treatment for all PMOS patients, emphasizing the potential benefits.
This article was supported by contributions from AP video journalist Brittany Peterson and information provided by various sponsors.