Ozempic is an innovative new medication to manage diabetes and PCOS, available as prefilled pens that you inject yourself. The medication works by mimicking hormones to suppress appetite and decrease blood sugar levels.
As Ozempic is still relatively new, not much research has been conducted into how it affects the menstruation cycle. However, some key facts should be noted regarding this treatment option:
Irregular Periods
Ovulation, the release of an egg from an ovary, determines a woman’s menstrual cycle. Women living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), however, often struggle to ovulate regularly, resulting in irregular menstruation cycles. Ozempic, commonly referred to as semaglutide or Rybelsus, works by mimicking the hormone glucagon, which reduces stomach production of glycerol and allows more sugar absorption after meals.
Ozempic has been shown to aid ovulation for people living with PCOS; however, its effect has yet to be seen on regular period length or frequency.
Ozempic may alter menstrual cycles; therefore, it is wise to seek medical advice or guidance if any changes occur to ascertain if Ozempic indeed causes these symptoms.
Spotting
Ozempic may cause spotting that mimics menstrual bleeding. This could be caused by changes to your blood sugar levels or hormone fluctuations; get advice from a medical provider on managing any changes to your menstrual cycle.
Ozempic is a prescription medication containing semaglutide used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by suppressing glucagon secretion and increasing insulin production while simultaneously aiding weight loss.
Limited research exists regarding the effects of Ozempic on menstrual cycles; however, some users have reported changes to their periods, possibly caused by shifting hormonal balance, insulin sensitivity increases, or altered ovulation patterns. Proper injection technique when administering Ozempic is vital to its successful use.
Always use a new needle and alternate injection sites – this will help avoid skin infections or side effects such as inflammation. In addition, always wash your hands both before and after giving yourself an injection.
Weight Loss
Although Ozempic isn’t an insulin replacement medication, it does stimulate the release of insulin after meals and can lower the risk for cardiovascular disease and serious eye complications like blindness in those living with type 2 diabetes. Mild side effects from Ozempic are generally mild and often resolve themselves within several weeks; if your symptoms continue or worsen, please reach out to your healthcare provider immediately.
Ozempic can cause several gastrointestinal side effects, with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain among them. These issues tend to arise more frequently when starting or changing doses and more so if used for weight loss. GLP-1 agonists slow stomach emptying too quickly, which may cause feelings of early satiety that cause people to feel full faster than anticipated – in addition to possibly leading to acid reflux or belching, according to Diabetes Daily.
Intestinal Blockage
Ozempic can cause intestinal blockage as a serious side effect, though this is unlikely. This usually happens early in treatment or when dose increases occur too quickly and may cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and an unpleasant fullness sensation if experienced. Should this occur please notify your healthcare provider for evaluation immediately.
Importantly, Ozempic should be taken with caution as it has the potential to cause thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid cancer in animals; its boxed warning includes medullary thyroid cancer as well as multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. If your family history includes MTC or MEN 2, or you suffer from other thyroid conditions or have other thyroid-related ailments, such as other thyroid diseases, then using this drug should be avoided. Furthermore, Pancreatitis – an inflammation of your pancreas characterized by intense stomach pain that leads to vomiting – is another potential side effect of using Ozempic.