Your menstrual cycle is one of the most important aspects of female health. And play a vital role in many physical and mental functions, from fertility to stress levels to overall well-being.
It’s no secret that nowadays, the issue of excess weight has become a top concern in many countries. Both men and women can experience obesity, but some studies suggest that women may be more prone to it.
And a new drug called Wegovy that hit the market and gained popularity in a short time. However, some people are concerned a lot about this medication.
And the question that most females ask “Does Wegovy affect menstrual cycle?” This age-old question has been debated for years now, and there is so much misleading information on the internet that can really confuse users about what the exact answer is.
Don’t worry In this article, I’ll be uncovering the truth behind whether or not using Wegovy may actually affect your menstrual cycle, and discuss that is there any effects of Wegovy on female periods. But first, you need to know Wegovy’s mechanism of action and the body systems it affects.
Understanding About Wegovy
WEGOVY is an injectable drug that contains semaglutide, which works by simulating a hormone a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor that helps with weight management. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This helps you shed those extra pounds and reach your desired weight.
It works by blocking the enzyme called Citrate Lyase, which makes fat cells from carbohydrates. By blocking this enzyme, Wegovy reduces the number of fat cells created in your body and thus helps you lose weight, which controls appetite and food consumption.
Basically, Wegovy helps to reduce your appetite and allows you to minimize the number of calories consumed. In fact, many members lost an average of 15% of their body weight over the course of one year.
As you can see, this medicine only affects the gastrointestinal tract and doesn’t impact the female genital area. However, changes in physical condition can affect menstruation when you lose weight on Wegovy. You might experience some changes in your menstrual cycle.
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Does wegovy affect menstrual cycle?
No straight answer here. But, based on some data, Semaglutide contains drugs, like Wegovy, which might have an impact on the menstrual cycle.
According to this data, more than half of women (51.7%) reported increased duration of the menstrual cycle. 24.1% experienced a shortened cycle, while 17.2% didn’t observe any changes. Interestingly, 25% of women who experienced changes in their cycle reported increased pain during menstruation.
I have pretty severe cramping when on my cycle but after my starting Wegovy, my cramps were beyond extreme. I’ve also spotted for 3 days and had cramping following a dose. I’m due for my 4th dose tomorrow evening (0.25mg).
However, it is important to note that weight loss can cause changes in your menstrual cycle. This might be because changes in physical condition and body fat levels can impact hormones that are related to the menstrual cycle.
If the cycle lasts longer than 7 days, it means menstruation is taking its sweet time. But if it’s shorter than usual, the cycle is cutting some corners. It can’t rule out the possibility that these changes are connected to gynecological issues or other causes.
Related: How Long Does Nausea Last With Wegovy?
Wegovy side effects on menstrual cycle
There are no current studies that indicate Wegovy itself may have any direct effects on your menstrual cycle.
But here are some changes in the menstrual cycle that can be caused by weight loss:
- irregular periods
- light or heavy bleeding
- missed periods
- stop periods temporarily
- mood changes before and during menstrual cycle (PMS)
- premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms worsening
Must Read: Can Semaglutide Affect Your Period? Everything You Need to Know
Can wegovy affect your period?
Yes, as we mentioned above, there are indications that Wegovy could indirectly affect your period. These effects are likely due to the weight loss and changes in body fat levels caused by the medication, as these factors can have an impact on hormones related to menstruation.
While the FDA and clinical trials haven’t found any direct effects of Wegovy and similar medications (like Ozempic, Saxenda, etc.) on the menstrual cycle.
But, it’s important to remember that everybody is different and reactions can vary. If you experience any changes in your menstrual cycle, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Make sure you have medical supervision when you’re trying to lose weight to ensure your health and safety.
Can wegovy cause late period?
Yes, it’s possible that Wegovy can cause a late period. It observed that women who lost weight loss by taking medications have experienced their menstrual cycle becoming irregular or delayed.
However, there is no scientific evidence to prove those claims that Wegovy can directly affect your menstrual cycle. So it’s best to talk to your doctor to see if the late period is caused by Wegovy, or if it’s due to something else.
Conclusion
WEGOVY is an injectable drug that contains semaglutide. It actually blocks an enzyme called Citrate Lyase, which is responsible for making fat cells from carbohydrates. By doing so, Wegovy reduces the number of fat cells created in your body and thus helps you lose weight.
No scientific studies show that Wegovy can directly affect your menstrual cycle. While on Semaglutide treatment, some females note some changes in their menstruation cycle, which may be due to numerous factors, for example, body changes caused by weight loss.
If you experience any changes in your periods such as irregularity or missed periods due to using Wegovy, make sure to talk to your doctor. They may give you more personalized advice and help you figure out what is causing the changes in your cycle.
FAQ
How does wegovy help with weight loss?
By blocking the Citrate Lyase enzyme, Wegovy reduces the number of fat cells in your body and thus helps you lose weight, which controls appetite and food consumption. Basically, Wegovy can help you lose weight because it’s designed to suppress your appetite, so you end up eating less.
What are the rare side effects of Wegovy?
Rare side effects associated with Wegovy include allergic reactions including:
- hives
- gallbladder problems
- kidney Problems
- swelling of the face/tongue/throat
- joint and muscle pain
- nausea, headache
- diarrhea, dizziness and depression
Consult with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms in your body after taking Wegovy
Can Wegovy be taken in conjunction with other medications?
You can take Wegovy with other medications, but it’s important to do so under your healthcare provider’s guidance. This is because it might interact with other drugs, possibly affecting how well they work or increasing the chance of side effects. For example, Wegovy may impact blood sugar levels, so you should be cautious when using it along with diabetes medications to avoid low blood sugar.
Is Wegovy safe for long-term use?
Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management, but we continuously evaluate the safety of long-term use. Many clinical trials have studied patients for up to two years, showing that it works well and is well-tolerated. However, like any medication, the way it affects people can vary and long-term effects might be different.
Can Wegovy be used in combination with diet and exercise?
Yes, Wegovy works best when used with a healthy diet and exercise. It’s important to personalize your plan with the help of a healthcare provider or dietitian. Remember, combining Wegovy with lifestyle changes leads to sustainable weight loss and health benefits.
Is Wegovy only for women?
No, Wegovy is not only for women. It is suitable for both men and women struggling with obesity or overweight conditions. Wegovy is a safe and effective option for adults managing their weight. Both men and women can benefit from it with proper medical supervision. That being said, individuals of any gender can benefit.
Resources
- https://australiaweightloss.com/does-wegovy-affect-the-menstrual-cycle-or-not/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/wegovy
- https://www.rxlist.com/wegovy-drug.htm
