Semaglutide's Impact on Vaginal Health Explored

Semaglutide is a medication used for people with diabetes to help manage blood sugar and insulin levels, and for weight loss, used via injection.

Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for the ingredient semaglutide. Off-label uses for Ozempic include weight loss¹.

Hormonal, vaginal and urinary tract side-effects of semaglutide

Common and listed side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and constipation². These impacts suggest a possible influence of the drug on the gut, which may include the gut microbiome.

However, there is anecdotal evidence from some users of semaglutide (not listed by the manufacturer) of endocrine disruption, including menstrual irregularities such as erratic/delayed periods and an increase in recurrent yeast infections and disrupted vaginal flora.

Some users reported an increase in yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections or urinary tract symptoms such as increased frequency or urgency.

It is known that vaginal yeast infections are more common in diabetics and those with blood sugar dysregulation, including those on medication³, but this does not account for the reported urogenital and hormonal side effects experienced by semaglutide users.

There may be other impacts on the vulva and vagina, including reports of burning, sensitivity, dryness and impacts on libido. It’s unclear why these side effects occur, but reports continue to emerge.

Serious listed side effects of semaglutide can include thyroid tumours and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, with other side effects including pancreatitis, vision changes, low blood sugar, kidney failure, allergic reaction and gallbladder problems.^2,4

What to do if you’re experiencing urogenital side effects from semiglutide

Talk to your doctor, and report your experiences so they can ensure that the impact is from the drug, not from another cause
Discuss skipping some injections to see if the symptoms subside (though keep in mind it might take longer than a week to shift symptoms, be mindful of any experiments and speak to your doctor)
Explore other options with your doctor
Keep a symptom diary – this can help later when you’re trying to work out if things have gotten better or worse or stayed the same
If semaglutide isn’t a good fit for you, explore non-drug options with a functional medicine doctor, herbalist, nutritionist or naturopath who specialises in metabolic conditions

I want to stay on semiglutide – what can I do for symptoms?

To treat UTI and urinary tract symptoms, use Aunt Vadge’s Oral UTI Blends
To treat vaginal symptoms, use Aunt Vadge’s BV Herbal Pessary Blend
Life-Space Women’s Microflora Probiotic orally and vaginally
Download and read Killing BV for treatment tips and tricks

References

1.
Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Netw Open. Published online September 19, 2022:e2231982. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
2.
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. Published online March 18, 2021:989-1002. doi:10.1056/nejmoa2032183
3.
Yokoyama H, Nagao A, Watanabe S, Honjo J. Incidence and risk of vaginal candidiasis associated with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in real‐world practice for women with type 2 diabetes. J of Diabetes Invest. Published online October 19, 2018:439-445. doi:10.1111/jdi.12912
4.
Smits MM, Van Raalte DH. Safety of Semaglutide. Front Endocrinol. Published online July 7, 2021. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.645563