Decreased Libido / Sex Drive
Users on Reddit have reported experiencing a decreased libido or sex drive while taking GLP-1 medications. Some also note related issues like vaginal dryness or a general reduction in the enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities (anhedonia), which they sometimes link to the medication's effect on dopamine.
Experiences with Decreased Libido / Sex Drive:
Another user shared that their girlfriend on Ozempic experienced a tanked libido. They stated, "One thing that happened. Is her libido tanked. You have to be aware that it reduces dopamine across the board. So anything you enjoy will be less. Not just food. "[2] This user also mentioned a friend whose drive for kink activities lowered. [2]
It's suggested that the medication might cause "overall dissatisfaction with everything," not just a reduced sex drive. [3]
A user discussing GLP-1s and their effect on dopamine asked, "if GLP1's/GIP increases dopamine how come some people report lower libido/desire and anhedonia? "[4]
In response to the above, another user explained a theory: "since the medicine flips the script, a reduced amount of food produces an outsized (\"normal\") dopamine response, while the emotional cue produces no dopamine response. So people don't get the same emotional delight they used to get before the medication, and so things suddenly don't feel as pleasurable as before. "[5] This could extend to other pleasurable activities beyond food.
One user on Wegovy for about 6 months experienced anhedonia: "GLP-1s can alter the dopamine reward system in the brain. It helps you lose weight when you don't get a dopamine hit from food anymore. But it's not good when you don't get a dopamine hit from anything anymore, like finishing a work task or your hobbies. "[6]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
The user who experienced anhedonia on Wegovy eventually went off the drug after a stomach flu and reported feeling much happier, though they regained the weight. [6] They advised, "if they are making you feel like crap, don't let people talk you into continuing them. Sometimes it's better to be fat and happy than skinny and miserable. "[6]
One user noted that their libido returned to normal after about 3 months on the medication, suggesting that for some, this side effect might be temporary. [1]
It's important to note that not all users experience this side effect. One user explicitly stated, "It DOES NOT affect sex drive, based on one sample point. "[7] The impact on libido and related anhedonia seems to be linked by some users to the medication's effect on dopamine and reward pathways.
Experiences with Decreased Libido / Sex Drive:
- One user on Mounjaro reported, "Decrease in libido and vaginal dryness I've never experienced before.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- One user whose libido mildly increased after 3 months on Mounjaro mentioned needing "plenty of lube" for intercourse due to vaginal dryness.
It's important to note that not all users experience this side effect. One user explicitly stated, "It DOES NOT affect sex drive, based on one sample point. "[7] The impact on libido and related anhedonia seems to be linked by some users to the medication's effect on dopamine and reward pathways.