Is Mounjaro Safe for PCOS? (October 2026)

01 · The core answer

Is Mounjaro safe if you have PCOS?

For women with PCOS who are suitable for treatment, the safety questions are largely the same as for anyone else taking it, and a prescriber assesses suitability. Mounjaro is licensed for weight management in adults and for type 2 diabetes.¹ It is not licensed specifically for PCOS, but many women with PCOS meet the weight-management criteria, and weight loss is a first-line recommendation that can improve insulin resistance, cycles and symptoms.⁴

For background on the benefits, see whether Mounjaro helps PCOS and how it works in PCOS.

02 · Your next step

What should you do next?

Check whether you meet the licensed criteria, then tell the prescriber about PCOS, any fertility plans and every medicine you take. Our free consultation is reviewed by a GPhC-registered prescriber.

Related guide: Is mounjaro good for pcos.

03 · Who should avoid it

Who should not take Mounjaro

Mounjaro is not suitable for everyone. You should not take it if you are allergic to tirzepatide or any of its ingredients, and it should not be used during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.¹ Your prescriber will take extra care, or may recommend against treatment, if you have a history of pancreatitis, severe gut or digestive disease, diabetic retinopathy, or gallbladder problems. Always share your full medical history and medicine list during consultation.¹³

04 · Fertility and pregnancy

Fertility, ovulation and contraception

Mention PCOS and any fertility plans in your consultation, because improving weight can restore ovulation.⁴ Mounjaro must not be used during pregnancy, and it should be stopped at least one month before trying to conceive. If you become pregnant during treatment, stop the medicine and tell your prescriber promptly. Mounjaro can reduce absorption of oral contraceptives because stomach emptying slows, so ask your prescriber how to protect against pregnancy during treatment.⁷ The SmPC advises switching to a non-oral method, or adding a barrier method (such as condoms), for 4 weeks after starting Mounjaro and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.¹

05 · Serious side effects

Serious side effects to know

Serious side effects are uncommon but need urgent attention. Seek immediate medical help for severe, persistent stomach pain that may spread to your back, with or without vomiting (possible pancreatitis). Also get medical help straight away for pain in the upper right abdomen, fever or yellowing of skin or eyes (possible gallbladder problems), or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat and difficulty breathing.¹³ If you take insulin or a sulfonylurea, watch for low blood sugar; your prescriber may need to adjust those medicines.¹ Our wider guide covers whether Mounjaro is safe in general.

06 · Thyroid, kidneys, mood

Thyroid, kidneys and mood

In rodent studies tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumours; it is not known whether this applies to humans, and no increase has been shown in human trials. Tell your prescriber if you or a close relative have had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.¹ Mounjaro is not known to damage kidneys or liver directly, but severe vomiting or diarrhoea can cause dehydration, so keep fluids up.¹

The EMA's safety committee concluded in 2024 that the evidence does not support a causal link with low mood or suicidal thoughts. Even so, any big change in weight, appetite and routine can affect how you feel: tell your prescriber about any history of depression, and seek help promptly if your mood drops or you have distressing thoughts during treatment.¹⁷

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, get help straight away. Call 999 or go to A&E if you are in immediate danger. In England you can call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, any time. You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night. Tell your prescriber about any change in your mood while taking Mounjaro.

07 · What results to expect

What results can you expect?

In the SURMOUNT-1 trial of 2,539 adults, people taking tirzepatide alongside diet and exercise lost on average 15% of their body weight on 5mg, 19.5% on 10mg and 20.9% on 15mg over 72 weeks, compared with 3.1% with lifestyle changes alone. These are trial averages and individual results vary.² The trial was not specific to PCOS. See our PCOS week-by-week guide for what the first months can feel like.