Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications are best known for helping people shed weight quickly, but according to a gynecologist, the viral drug trend could also have unexpected effects on vaginal health.
Although Ozempic is only FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes, demand for it (and similar drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro) has skyrocketed thanks to their dramatic weight-loss results. Alongside before-and-after photos and personal testimonies, users on social media have started opening up about unexpected side effects that go beyond slimmer waistlines.
Among the more surprising confessions: changes to the vulva. One woman who had dropped 20kg (44lbs) on Ozempic said that while she avoided loose skin elsewhere on her body, she lost “fat pads” in her vulva, per UNILAD. She claimed a doctor later warned her the tissue loss could cause pain when sitting or biking unless she considered fillers or surgery.
Now, Dr. Melanie Bone, a consultant OBGYN and U.S. medical director at the gynecological health company Daye, has weighed in on how GLP-1 medications may impact vaginal health. In an interview with Newsweek, she outlined three key ways the drugs could play a role:
1. Hormonal changes
Rapid weight loss can trigger shifts in hormone levels, which in turn may affect vaginal lubrication and tissue health. According to Dr. Bone, some patients could notice an increase in dryness as a result.
2. Dehydration
GLP-1 medications are known to reduce appetite and can also cause nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. These side effects can leave users dehydrated, and vaginal dryness may be one knock-on effect. Dr. Bone recommends staying hydrated, trying vaginal probiotics, and considering vaginal moisturisers if discomfort becomes an issue.
3. Microbiome disruption
Because GLP-1 drugs alter gut function and diet, they may indirectly influence the “gut-vagina axis,” Dr. Bone explained. This could cause changes in discharge or odour — or even increase the risk of infections if the microbiome balance shifts. She advises routine screenings and monitoring for any changes.
“It’s crucial for women and AFAB [assigned female at birth] individuals to discuss any vaginal health concerns with their healthcare provider while using GLP-1 agonists,” Dr. Bone said. “Open communication about these potential effects can lead to better management and overall health outcomes.”
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer behind Ozempic and Wegovy, told UNILAD: “Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 RA medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety. We recommend patients take these medications only for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.”
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