Temporal Trends and Clinical Characteristics of Incretin-Based Therapy Use in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Real-World Cohort Study From a Polish Private Healthcare Network
Abstract
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and the dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide are increasingly used for weight and cardiometabolic management, but real-world prescribing patterns in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain poorly characterised.
Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 38 263 adult women with ICD-coded PCOS in the LUX MED network, Poland, using electronic health records data from July 2006 to April 2026. The primary analysis included women diagnosed with PCOS in 2018-2024 and evaluated prescription-recorded initiation of GLP-1 RA/GIP-GLP-1 RA therapy within 365 days after the index diagnosis. Temporal trends were assessed using logistic regression with unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted models.
Results: Overall, 4557 women (11.9%) had a recorded GLP-1 RA/GIP-GLP-1 RA prescription and 16 381 (42.8%) received metformin. Among incretin-based therapy users, 75.5% had metformin co-exposure, whereas only 11.5% had coded type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recorded BMI was higher among GLP-1 RA/GIP-GLP-1 RA users than among metformin-only or untreated women (median 31.2 vs. 26.3 and 22.1 kg/m2) and greater comorbidity burden (all p < 0.001). Initiation within 365 days rose from 0.14% in 2018 to 5.97% in 2024. Calendar year was strongly associated with initiation (unadjusted OR 1.52, 95% CI, 1.44-1.59; adjusted OR 1.64, 95% CI, 1.56-1.73; both p < 0.001), with consistent results after excluding women with…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 4,557 participants or records.
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