This post is also available in: English Slovenščina (Slovenian)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder which affects 15–20% of women in reproductive age. It is characterised by disturbances in the menstrual cycle and hyperandrogenism. These women are more prone to obesity. Regulation of appetite and energy intake is essential to maintain or reduce body mass. This regulation is provided by communication between the central nervous system and gastrointestinal signals, part of which are the incretin hormones. Weight reduction with non-pharmacological methods alone is often ineffective. More effective reduction and subsequent weight maintenance is achieved by coadministration of metformin, which is not well tolerated in 5–10% of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists are linked with weight lowering potential in different obesity related populations. Studies using glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome are also promising. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists may have a potential role in the treatment of obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome before a planned pregnancy. Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors promote extended endogenous incretin effect and lead to improvement in metabolic control as well as the reduction of metabolic risks. Because of these effects dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors might represent an alternative pharmacological intervention in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and high metabolic risk when therapy with metformin is contraindicated. Research in this area is currently lacking.