Side Effects
Can Semaglutide Affect Your Period and Is It Cause for Concern?
Some women report changes to their menstrual cycle after starting Semaglutide. These reports raise questions about the medication's impact on hormonal balance and whether it could be causing these changes. Can Semaglutide affect your period? This article will help you understand whether semaglutide is affecting your menstrual cycle, determine if it’s a cause for concern, and learn how to manage it confidently and safely. Additionally, if you've ever wondered, "Does Semaglutide Cause Constipation?", this linked article will be helpful for you.
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Table of Contents
Can Semaglutide Affect Your Period?
If you're a woman taking semaglutide, you may notice body changes. If you have a menstrual cycle, you might be wondering what to expect. The short answer: We’re not entirely sure. There’s limited research on the overall effect of Ozempic on periods. But research has shown that women with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may benefit from semaglutide. One small study found that approximately 80 percent of patients reported that their periods became more regular. On the other hand, substantial weight loss (which Ozempic can cause) can also impact your period, causing menstrual irregularities.
Does Ozempic Affect Your Period?
While Ozempic might mess with your period, the drug itself probably isn’t to blame. There aren’t many studies directly examining Ozempic and periods, and menstrual cycle changes aren’t listed as a side effect. So, what’s the deal? Ozempic might help you achieve substantial weight loss, and it’s the weight loss itself that can affect your period. Here’s what we know so far:
Cycle Regularity
Losing weight can bring numerous health benefits, but it may also cause irregular periods. Research shows that weight changes, including weight loss or weight gain, are associated with irregular menstrual cycles among women who have obesity or abdominal obesity, which is obesity around the center of the body. The more weight you lose, the more likely it is for your periods to become irregular.
Amenorrhea
Beyond menstrual irregularities, significant weight loss—think 10 percent or more of your body weight—can cause your periods to stop altogether. This is known as amenorrhea. As Ozempic can cause significant weight loss, it’s possible the medication could trigger irregular periods or amenorrhea.
Ozempic's Indirect Effect on Period Regularity
On the other hand, your periods become more regular when you take Ozempic. This also has more to do with weight changes than the drug itself. Specifically, research shows that women with obesity have at least twofold greater odds of having an irregular cycle compared to women without obesity. So, losing weight may help your periods become more regular.
PCOS
A small 2023 study followed 27 women with obesity and PCOS who hadn’t lost weight with lifestyle changes. They received semaglutide 0.5 mg weekly. After 3 months, about 78% lost at least 5% of their body weight. Among the responders who continued treatment to 6 months, about 71% reported normal menses. Other studies of GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as exenatide and liraglutide) suggest they may improve menstrual frequency in some women with PCOS.
Flow
Anecdotally, some women have mentioned on social media that their periods have become heavier since they started taking GLP-1 medications. But heavier periods haven’t been reported as an official side effect in any Ozempic clinical trials. As with cycle regularity, the pendulum swings both ways. It’s also possible your periods may become lighter on Ozempic. Research shows that obesity can cause heavier periods. So you may find that if you’re losing weight on Ozempic, your periods become lighter and more manageable. This is all speculation, though, and the effect of Ozempic on menstrual flow hasn’t been studied.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
There’s no evidence that Ozempic can affect PMS symptoms. Sensing a theme? Specifically, PMS symptoms include:
Tiredness
Irritability
Mood swings
Cramps
Breast tenderness
Ozempic's Potential Indirect Effect on PMS
You may notice these symptoms before your period starts. Research shows that the higher your body mass index (BMI), the higher your risk of PMS. So, again, losing weight on Ozempic could, theoretically, improve PMS symptoms in some people with obesity. But, again, there’s no scientific evidence to back up this theory.
Spotting
Spotting (light bleeding outside the period window) is never a welcome surprise. Can Ozempic cause spotting? Probably not. There isn’t any evidence that Ozempic can cause spotting. It isn’t listed as a common side effect of Ozempic, and it hasn’t been reported in clinical trials. But we can’t rule out the possibility entirely. Speak with a healthcare provider if you’re spotting to find out what might be causing it. Things like can cause spotting:
Changes in hormone levels
Inflammation
Infections
An underactive thyroid
Fertility
What about ovulation? It’s possible that Ozempic could be beneficial for your reproductive health, but this benefit is primarily associated with weight loss, rather than the medication itself. Research shows that obesity is linked to infertility, so moving toward a healthy weight with the help of Ozempic may improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Ozempic's Potential Role in PCOS Fertility
Beyond this, women with PCOS often struggle to get pregnant. If Ozempic can help them lose weight, which, in turn, helps them have more regular periods, it might potentially increase fertility. FYI, there are risks involved in using Ozempic when pregnant. Speak to your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or planning on trying to conceive soon. They can recommend the best course of action for you.
Can Ozempic Cause Missed Periods?
Have you experienced a missed period while taking Ozempic? Don’t panic. It’s unclear whether Ozempic can cause missed periods. There is no research to support this claim, and it hasn’t been reported in clinical trials. Nevertheless, significant weight loss can cause periods to become irregular or stop altogether. As mentioned, research shows Ozempic can lead to significant weight loss. The same goes for Wegovy®. Wegovy also contains the active ingredient semaglutide, but it’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in individuals with obesity and those who are overweight.
Weight Loss and Period Irregularity
Ozempic, on the other hand, is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. So, the drug itself probably isn’t making you miss a period, but associated weight loss could. If you’ve missed a period, consider other potential causes, too, like an unexpected pregnancy. And reach out to a healthcare provider if you’re concerned.
Does Ozempic Affect Your Hormones?
It’s unclear if Ozempic can affect hormones related to your menstrual cycle. While large Ozempic/Wegovy trials don’t typically report estrogen/progesterone changes, smaller studies (especially in PCOS) have measured reproductive hormones. But losing weight can impact these hormones. Ozempic affects other hormones in the body, such as insulin and glucagon, which can lead to weight loss and improved blood sugar levels.
Related Reading
How to Manage Menstrual Changes While on Semaglutide
Track Your Cycle and Health Metrics
After starting semaglutide, you may experience changes in your menstrual cycle. These changes may include:
Irregular periods
Missed periods
Heavier or lighter bleeding
While these symptoms can be concerning, tracking your cycle and health metrics may help identify any irregularities or changes. Be sure to monitor:
Cycle timing and duration
Medication dosage and timing
Weight fluctuations and other symptoms
Mood, energy, and physical changes
You can use a journal or a digital app to track and assess this information over time. These logs are helpful for your licensed healthcare provider to evaluate trends and hormone response.
Consult Your Licensed Healthcare Provider Regularly
You shouldn’t feel alone if you notice menstrual changes while using semaglutide. Still, it’s a good idea to keep your healthcare provider informed. Schedule regular consultations to discuss any changes you experience. If your cycle becomes highly irregular or you experience:
Missed periods
Menstrual bleeding between cycles
Signs of hormonal imbalance (e.g., acne, hair thinning, breast tenderness)
Then schedule a hormone panel or follow-up appointment. Thyroid and insulin markers may also be assessed.
Support Hormone Balance with Lifestyle Habits
While changes to your menstrual cycle can feel alarming, there are proactive steps you can take to get your body back on track. First, engage in regular physical activity, which may stabilize insulin. Next, prioritize a nutrient-dense, high-fiber, low-sugar diet. Also, get adequate rest and manage stress. Avoid extreme caloric restriction, which may suppress ovulation. These behaviors improve hormonal feedback loops and reproductive health outcomes.
Related Reading
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Some people report changes to their cycle, like missed periods or irregular periods, when taking semaglutide. If you’re concerned about how semaglutide may affect your menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor.
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