Ozempic (or Wegovy) is an oral medication that helps control blood sugar and suppress appetite in people living with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
However, some individuals taking Ozempic have reported changes to their menstrual cycles. Could taking Ozempic affect my period?
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by decreasing glucose production and absorption through intestinal membranes, helping people with Type 2 diabetes manage their weight more effectively while also decreasing blood sugar levels. This medication can only be purchased with a valid prescription, so anyone interested should first speak to their healthcare provider to receive guidance and training for self-injection.
Ozempic can cause stomach side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, in its initial phase. Over time, these side effects tend to diminish; you can manage them with other medications, diet, or exercise as appropriate.
Other side effects may also occur, including gallbladder problems (cholelithiasis or cholecystitis). Your risk increases significantly if you’re taking another drug that affects liver enzymes, have had gallbladder surgery, or have been diagnosed with an illness where gallstones form, such as inflammatory bowel disease or autoimmune hepatitis.
Studies with rodents have demonstrated that semaglutide and similar drugs cause thyroid tumors, including an uncommon form of cancer known as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Unfortunately, no research has been done into whether such effects will manifest themselves similarly in humans.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic is a prescription medication containing semaglutide that works together with diet and exercise to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug works by slowing stomach emptying while decreasing secretion of glucagon when blood sugar levels become elevated.
Ozempic is used primarily to help manage blood sugar levels, but its primary effects may include changing menstrual cycles in some individuals – in particular, women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who often experience irregular periods.
Before beginning this medication, it is crucial that you consult with a healthcare provider first. They can assess your risks and outline any benefits and potential side effects of Ozempic. Also important is mentioning any OTC drugs or supplements as some could interact with Semaglutide and alter how it works; in addition, certain foods or substances could interfere with Ozempic’s efficacy as well.
Common Ozempic Side Effects
Ozempic may cause mild side effects; most are moderate and will subside within several weeks. Serious adverse reactions, including pancreatitis or an allergic reaction, are rare but serious and should receive medical attention immediately.
Ozempic may indirectly have an effect on menstrual cycles by helping to regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn may mitigate hormone fluctuations and boost ovulation rates. Individual responses may differ; therefore, it’s always wise to consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Ozempic may slow the rate at which your stomach empties, increasing your risk of aspiration during surgery or other procedures that require sedation. Many doctors who prescribe this medication recommend pausing its use prior to anesthesia to reduce this risk.
Ozempic and the Menstrual Cycle
If you are taking or planning on beginning to take Ozempic or considering it as part of your routine, it may raise questions regarding its potential effects on menstruation. While Ozempic is unlikely to cause irregular periods or alter period length significantly, it’s still wise to speak to your healthcare provider if there are any unexpected changes in your period cycle.
Ozempic can affect some women’s menstrual cycles in unpredictable ways; its long-term impacts are unknown. While Ozempic may lead to irregular periods or even amenorrhea (no periods at all), this usually results from hormonal imbalances rather than the medication itself.
Ozempic may also help make your period lighter and less painful if you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome by helping regulate hormone levels and improve ovulation. However, GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic may reduce absorption rates for oral birth control pills; to protect yourself effectively while taking this medication, use another form of contraception, such as IUDs instead.