Return of Period After Absence
Users on Reddit, particularly those with conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or adenomyosis, frequently report the return of previously absent or irregular periods while on GLP-1 medications. This change is often viewed as a positive development, indicative of hormonal regulation and improved overall health.
Experiences of Period Return and Regulation:
Regulation of Cycles: Many users experienced their cycles becoming more predictable. One stated, "My period is regular now... actually predictable! "[4] Another mentioned, "Only time I've ever been regular is while on these meds. First came days after my first shot. Spent a few months every 4-6 weeks and now routinely 30 days. "[5] For some, the change was quick: "made my period super regular after the first pen! love it. "[8] A user with adenomyosis and early menopause found that "While on Mounjaro, my cycles became regular again, less heavy periods, hormones stabilized, and got pregnant after the 2nd month. "[2]
Return of Bleeding with Contraceptives: Some users on hormonal contraceptives that typically stop periods also reported changes. One user with an IUD said, "That’s been happening to me and I have an IUD. It’s not a long, heavy period but still pretty consistent. "[17] Another with a Nexplanon, who hadn't had a cycle for over a year, "started spotting off and on with occasional break throughs" after starting GLP-1s. [9] A different user with Nexplanon reported getting her period twice in one month, which she and her healthcare providers attributed to "the fat I lost released the estrogen that was stored in it into my blood stream, in turn affecting the my cycle. "[12]
Attributed Reasons for Return/Regulation: The return or regulation of periods is often linked by users and their doctors to the medication's role in balancing hormones, managing PCOS, and reducing insulin resistance. One user explained, "This is because PCOS is an endocrine disease, not a gynecological disease. You’re regulating your hormones and reducing your insulin resistance, so your ovaries can function better. "[11] Another highlighted the "correlation with weight loss and PCOS management and the regulation of periods. "[10] An OBGYN reportedly told a user that "a number of her PCOS patients have noticed their cycle become regulated from glp1s. "[13]
Other Menstrual Changes Reported:
Another noted, "cycle changed when I increased dosage on ozempic from . 5 to 1mg... my period has been steady. "[19]
However, not all experiences are positive. A user with adenomyosis and an IUD felt her "periods got heavier" and experienced "a ton of spotting between periods as well. "[20] Another user with PCOS and Nexplanon reported a more concerning side effect: "non stop continuous bleeding since beginning the medication. "[21]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
The GLP-1 medication itself is often seen as the "remedy" for the previous absence or irregularity of periods because it addresses underlying issues. As one user's OBGYN noted, GLP-1s help regulate cycles in PCOS patients. [13]
Users emphasize that managing underlying conditions like insulin resistance is key. One user stated, "Any time my insulin isn't whack I have normal periods," suggesting that the insulin-sensitizing effect of GLP-1s contributes to regular cycles. [14]
Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and exercise, which are often adopted alongside GLP-1 therapy, are also considered important for overall hormonal health and can contribute to cycle regularity. For instance, one user mentioned that after discontinuing GLP-1s, dietary strategies helped maintain regular periods. [15]
If problematic bleeding patterns arise, such as continuous or excessively heavy bleeding, the implied advice from user experiences is to consult a healthcare provider for assessment and management. [21]
For those discontinuing GLP-1s and concerned about maintaining regularity, one user mentioned progesterone as a potential option discussed with a doctor, particularly in the context of trying to conceive.
Experiences of Period Return and Regulation:
- Return from Amenorrhea/Oligomenorrhea: Several users who previously had infrequent periods noticed a significant change.
Other Menstrual Changes Reported:
- While regulation is common, some users report other menstrual changes.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- The return of periods or regulation of cycles is generally perceived by users as a positive effect of GLP-1 medications, especially for those with PCOS or who are trying to conceive.