Worsened Menstrual Symptoms
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences regarding menstrual symptoms while on GLP-1 medications, with some experiencing worsened symptoms, others seeing improvements or regulation, and some noticing no change. Experiences can be highly individual and may also be influenced by underlying conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or adenomyosis.
Worsened Menstrual Symptoms:
A user with endometriosis reported, "I’ve been taking mounjaro for 4 months now and tbh it makes my endo symptoms worse". [9]
Another user with endometriosis on Ozempic for 9 months said their endo is "still bad if not the worst it’s ever been". [11]
One user on Zepbound with endometriosis noted, "so far my period cramps and ovulation pain has been extremely worse. "[13]
Someone with endometriosis shared, "It has actually made my endo worse. I went from 1-2 days in agonizing pain to 3-7. "[12]
A user with PCOS mentioned that during their first three months, they "didn’t have 2 periods my last one the cramping was very overwhelming… I have researched it, it can be due to the mass hormone shift". [16]
Changes in Menstrual Cycle and Spotting:
One user asked, "Curious if anyone starting spotting between periods? This is something new for me, but different doctors have had stated different things. "[15]
A user on GLP-1 for 9 weeks noted, "I’ve also had to start taking my BC pill earlier than my routine time after around week 3-4 I started spotting off and on with occasional break throughs (Note: I haven’t had a cycle for over a year since I take it consecutively-skipping the placebos). "[18]
Another user mentioned their period was a few days late after upping their dose and also experienced a longer period: "My period was 4 days later this month as well! But also, only one bad day of cramping and 2 heavy days with the rest being lighter than usual. It lasted longer than 7 though so there’s that. "[20]
A user on Ozempic shared an experience of an early period when increasing dosage: "Side effect varied from having an early period one time - cycle changed when I increased dosage on ozempic from . 5 to 1mg. "[17]
Improved or Regulated Menstrual Symptoms (Contextual Information):
It's noteworthy that while some experience worsening symptoms, others, particularly those with conditions like PCOS or adenomyosis, report improvements:
Another user with adenomyosis said, "Yes, my cramps improved so much I actually canceled my hysterectomy. "[5]
A user on Mounjaro for adenomyosis and early menopause reported, "While on Mounjaro, my cycles became regular again, less heavy periods, hormones stabilized, and got pregnant after the 2nd month. "[8]
One user on their third month of a GLP-1 for adenomyosis noted, "month three and I no longer need transexamic acid and managed to function like a normal person. Still have cramps and swelling, but normal period bleeding, no flooding and not even heavy. "[10]
Several users with PCOS reported their periods becoming regular. One said, "My period is regular now... actually predictable! "[21] Another shared, "yeah i started mounjaro in january and it immediately regulated my periods. "[23]
A user on Wegovy stated, "Also my hormones feel amazing. My periods are regular and less painful and heavy. I’m ovulating regularly and I feel amazing outside of my period". [26]
Potential Reasons and Other Observations:
One user mentioned, "So my first 3 month were fine, expected I didn’t have 2 periods my last one the cramping was very overwhelming… I have researched it, it can be due to the mass hormone shift". [16]
A user on Mounjaro experienced increased vaginal dryness and itchiness, which their Obgyn attributed to decreased estrogen. [27]
Remedies or Preventions Recommended:
No specific remedies or preventions for worsened menstrual symptoms while on GLP-1s were explicitly recommended in the provided data. Users generally discuss their experiences, and some consult their doctors for persistent or concerning changes. If symptoms are severe or concerning, consulting a healthcare provider is the primary recommendation implied by the context of these discussions.
Worsened Menstrual Symptoms:
- Some users report heavier or more painful periods.
Changes in Menstrual Cycle and Spotting:
- Some users experience changes in their cycle length or unexpected spotting.
Improved or Regulated Menstrual Symptoms (Contextual Information):
It's noteworthy that while some experience worsening symptoms, others, particularly those with conditions like PCOS or adenomyosis, report improvements:
- The original poster with adenomyosis who initiated one of the discussions experienced significant improvement: "I’ve had two periods now where I can go through the day with 2-3 tampons...
Potential Reasons and Other Observations:
- Hormonal shifts due to weight loss or the medication itself are often cited as potential reasons for changes in menstrual cycles.
Remedies or Preventions Recommended:
No specific remedies or preventions for worsened menstrual symptoms while on GLP-1s were explicitly recommended in the provided data. Users generally discuss their experiences, and some consult their doctors for persistent or concerning changes. If symptoms are severe or concerning, consulting a healthcare provider is the primary recommendation implied by the context of these discussions.