Connective-Tissue Effects (speculated)
Users on Reddit have reported a variety of experiences that could be speculated as connective-tissue effects while on GLP-1 medications, particularly those with pre-existing conditions like fibromyalgia or other autoimmune/inflammatory conditions. These experiences often involve pain, inflammation, and muscle-related issues.
Experiences with Connective-Tissue Related Effects (Speculated):
Joint and Muscle Pain: Some users report increased joint and muscle pain. A user with fibromyalgia mentioned, "I took Mounjaro for over a year. I lost 30 pounds but was miserable with insomnia, feeling cold and it definitely made my joints hurt worse. "[2] Another said, "Ozempic made my body hurt in a very bad way. "[9] One user on Mounjaro/Zepbound noted, "I get bad body pain for a day or so... but the worst is the terrible headache/migraine for the first day or two after the shot. I feel like I have the flu for about a day. "[3] Someone with dysautonomia and POTS mentioned that GLP-1s made their joints hurt more at first. [15]
Sarcopenia/Muscle Loss: Muscle loss is a concern for some users. One user noted, "I read a paper about GLP-1s and sarcopenia a while back, and now I see it everywhere. People on GLP-1s who look like they have no business having mobility concerns (60s w/ standard comorbidities, overweight but not morbidly obese) needing SNF placement because they can barely walk or stand from a chair. "[20] Another user on semaglutide mentioned, "But I have had muscle loss. Which I’m now working on rectifying... "[12] A reply to this comment advised, "So definitely increase the protein and do weight training with this stuff. "[13]
Inflammation: Some users report changes in inflammation, with mixed results. One user with dysautonomia, MCAS, POTS, and CFS/ME stated, "Visible reduction in inflammation. (Ie. Face would be so puffy and swollen from inflammation always. Now it’s gone. )... Reduction in inflammation head to toe. "[16] Conversely, a user with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) said their friend with autoimmune and mast cell issues "noticed a significant improvement in their inflammation symptoms" after every GLP-1 dose. [23] However, another user with AS on Ozempic for weight loss reported it "Did notning to my AS". [24] One user with nr-axSpA and on Mounjaro reported their CRP (an inflammation marker) went from 98 to 18 and they were feeling much better, though they also started a biologic (Cimzia) around the same time. [22]
Skin Tingling: One user with Fibro and CFS/ME mentioned, "When I first started on Mounjaro for my T2, I had horrible anxiety, fatigue, skin tingling, and even worse temperature dysregulation. "[10]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Supplements for Fibromyalgia Symptoms: For fatigue and pain, one user recommended, "magnesium malate and CoQ10. They seem to give me more energy. "[7]
Managing Chills/Pain: "For the chills, I used a heated blanket and sometimes took a Tylenol. "[7]
Hydration and Electrolytes: While not specific to connective tissue, general advice for managing side effects includes hydration. "Keep up on electrolytes. "[7]
Protein Intake and Exercise for Muscle Loss: To combat sarcopenia, users suggest focusing on protein and strength training. "So definitely increase the protein and do weight training with this stuff. "[13] One user mentioned that people going on and off GLP-1s are at risk for "adipose loss and sarcopenia initially, then a regain of adipose tissue without muscle regain when they lose coverage". [19]
Probiotics for GI Issues (which can indirectly affect overall well-being): A user with dysautonomia found a GLP-1 probiotic helpful for constipation. [16]
Checking for MTHFR Mutation: One user with fibro and POTS suggested, "check if you have a MTHFR mutation... for which you should then add folinic acid and liposomal glutathione. "[6] This was in the context of autonomic issues potentially being exacerbated by GLP-1s.
It's important to note that many users, especially those with pre-existing inflammatory or pain conditions, report that GLP-1s can exacerbate their symptoms. Some find relief by adjusting dosage or using other supportive measures, while others discontinue the medication due to the severity of side effects.
Experiences with Connective-Tissue Related Effects (Speculated):
- Amplified Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Many users with fibromyalgia report that GLP-1 medications significantly worsen their existing symptoms.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Dosage Adjustment: Lowering the dose is a common recommendation.
It's important to note that many users, especially those with pre-existing inflammatory or pain conditions, report that GLP-1s can exacerbate their symptoms. Some find relief by adjusting dosage or using other supportive measures, while others discontinue the medication due to the severity of side effects.