PCOS Symptom Changes
Users on Reddit report a variety of changes in their PCOS symptoms while on GLP-1 medications, with many experiencing significant improvements. However, experiences can vary, and some users note that GLP-1s address certain aspects of PCOS more effectively than others.
Positive PCOS Symptom Changes:
Menstrual Cycle Regulation: Several users experienced more regular periods. One user on Wegovy reported, "My periods are regular and less painful and heavy. I’m ovulating regularly. "[21] Another on a GLP-1 (unspecified) mentioned their cycle became regular, and they even got pregnant accidentally. [2] A user on Ozempic noted their period has been coming like clockwork. [3]
Weight Loss: Significant weight loss is a commonly reported benefit, which can indirectly alleviate other PCOS symptoms. A user on Mounjaro/semaglutide lost 50-60 lbs and had their periods regulate. [24] Another on Wegovy lost 105 lbs and found their hormones regulating and period becoming regular. [4]
Reduced Inflammation and Pain: Some users experienced reduced inflammation. One user on tirzepatide noted, "Inflammation is way down no more lower back pain. "[10] Another on Wegovy reported, "My swelling and fluid retention immediately started going down. "[21]
Improved Energy Levels and Mood: Increased energy and improved mental health are also mentioned. A user on Mounjaro/semaglutide reported having "wayyyy more energy! "[24] Another on tirzepatide shared, "I’m not struggling with Anxiety / depression... it has made a big difference I just to get upset about everything. Now I realize I don’t care about those things as much. "[10] One user felt the best they had in years after the initial adjustment period, with fatigue decreasing. [18]
Reduced Food Noise and Cravings: GLP-1s helped many users with food noise and cravings, which is often a struggle with PCOS. "Food noise is completely gone, and my body actually tells me when it’s done eating! " stated one user. [13] Another shared, "I didn’t realize how bad “food static” had gotten until it was gone. "[25]
Hormone Regulation: Some users explicitly mention hormone regulation. One user on Ozempic said, "on the lowest dose all my symptoms of PCOS are gone and my bloodwork is perfect now. "[1] Another on Wegovy stated, "Also my hormones feel amazing. "[21]
Other Symptom Improvements: One user on a GLP-1 reported a decrease in excessive sweating, a symptom they hadn't realized was hormone-related. [6] Another mentioned that GLP-1s reversed all their PCOS symptoms except facial hair. [26]
Varied or Limited Symptom Changes:
Another user on Ozempic got their period, had more energy, and less pain but did not lose weight on the lowest dose. [23]
Side Effects and Management (Often general GLP-1 side effects, but relevant for PCOS users):
One user mentioned, "At first it was quite hard and I nearly came off. Diarrhoea, sulfur burps, bloating and tummy pain. But my body got used to it and now it’s minimal. "[12]
Another experienced severe nausea and headaches initially, which subsided. [14]
Fatigue: Fatigue, especially after injection day, is reported by some users. [10, 18]
Hair Loss: One user on Mounjaro noted hair loss, possibly due to body shock from weight loss or insufficient protein. [24]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
Eating smaller portions and focusing on protein. [5, 17]
Managing food triggers for side effects like sulfur burps (e. g. , broccoli, eating too fast, dairy). [10, 19]
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is emphasized. "What I have really noticed though is that when I drink a ton of water (around 135 ounces), I don’t have a lot of side effects. "[16]
Managing Constipation: Users recommend Miralax, fiber gummies, or prunes. [15, 25]
Medications for GI Side Effects: Pepto-Bismol was a "life-saving medicine" for one user dealing with sulfur burps and constipation. [11] Antacids are also mentioned. [19]
Slow Titration: "I think it’s super important to take the slow approach with these medications, as if you go too fast your body can have really adverse reactions! "[13]
Lifestyle: Combining medication with diet changes and exercise is recommended for best results and maintenance. [5, 20]
Some users highlight that GLP-1s are often considered long-term or lifelong medications for managing chronic conditions like PCOS and insulin resistance. [8, 15, 17] However, others have used them temporarily, for example, before trying to conceive.
Positive PCOS Symptom Changes:
- Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar: Many users report improvements in insulin resistance and blood sugar levels.
Varied or Limited Symptom Changes:
- Some users found GLP-1s helped with weight and insulin resistance but not other PCOS symptoms like hair growth or cramps.
Side Effects and Management (Often general GLP-1 side effects, but relevant for PCOS users):
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, sulfur burps, and bloating.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Avoiding heavy carbs: "When they say don’t eat heavy carbs, it’s not a joke.
Some users highlight that GLP-1s are often considered long-term or lifelong medications for managing chronic conditions like PCOS and insulin resistance. [8, 15, 17] However, others have used them temporarily, for example, before trying to conceive.