Decreased Urination
Users on Reddit report experiencing decreased urination or conditions leading to it, primarily severe dehydration, while on GLP-1 medications.
Experiences with Decreased Urination and Dehydration:
Another user with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) reported that for them, "the GLP-1 medication suppressed my thirst an extreme amount. As a result, I’ve been severely dehydrated over the past few weeks, and no amount of water seemed sufficient," leading to IC flares. [2] This user found improvement after stopping the medication.
A user noted that GLP-1s reduce appetite and also thirst, which can contribute to dehydration: "i think if there is an increase it will come from dehydration. As the GLP-1 reduces appetite, it also reduces thirst. A lot of the side effects of GLP-1s are purely dehydration. "[5]
Other users report severe dehydration. One stated, "I have SEVERE dehydration... I’m voiding (urinating) about every 20 minutes or so but it slows down at night. In the am, my urine is yellow but by noon it’s crystal clear... Back in the am I’m back to yellow again. "[3] While this user urinates frequently, the pattern suggests cycles of dehydration. Another shared a similar experience of frequent urination with morning dark urine despite high water intake. [4] Dehydration, if not managed by extreme fluid intake, can lead to decreased urination.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
The primary recommendation to prevent decreased urination and manage dehydration is to significantly increase fluid intake, often with electrolytes.
Electrolytes: Several users recommend supplementing with electrolytes. "I also take electrolytes to try to help,"[3] and "I’m taking electrolytes (liquid IV- if anyone can suggest something better, please do). "[4] Another user mentioned needing to "make sure I hydrate, take fiber and electrolytes. "[6] Someone with POTS who struggles to drink enough water said they "may have to choose water/electrolytes over a snack if my tummy is just saying no. Or have an electrolyte icy pole to give that food feeling. "[7]
Mindful Drinking: Due to suppressed thirst, users need to be conscious about drinking even if not feeling thirsty. [2, 5]
Addressing Related Symptoms: For issues like UTIs, which can be linked to dehydration, one user was told the cause was "not drinking enough water. "[9]
It's important to note that even with efforts to hydrate, some users still struggle. The user who stopped peeing mentioned they were "drinking as much as possible.
Experiences with Decreased Urination and Dehydration:
- One user described a severe experience: "becoming so dehydrated you stop peeing is no fun either even though I was drinking as much as possible.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
The primary recommendation to prevent decreased urination and manage dehydration is to significantly increase fluid intake, often with electrolytes.
- Aggressive Hydration: Many users emphasize the need to drink a lot of water.
It's important to note that even with efforts to hydrate, some users still struggle. The user who stopped peeing mentioned they were "drinking as much as possible.