Understanding the Side Effects of Semaglutides for Women 

Semaglutides (brand name semaglutide medications include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus) provide a lot of great benefits for women; it is also important to understand the potential side effects and implications of the drugs. This article does not aim to deter you from taking semaglutides, but rather to help you understand the potential side effects of the drugs, provide insight for conversations with your doctor, and determine if these medications may be right for you.

What do Semaglutides do?

In general, semaglutides control one’s blood sugar by increasing insulin release and reducing glucagon release. With the control of blood sugar, appetite is reduced and gastric emptying is slowed, which can lead to weight loss. Another implication of semaglutides includes cardiovascular benefits: they reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke with individuals with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Regulating blood sugar is crucial because it significantly affects the body’s metabolism and the risk of metabolic diseases. Blood sugar management is essential for overall health, particularly for preventing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. When blood sugar levels are stable, it helps maintain energy levels, prevents insulin resistance, and supports the proper function of various metabolic processes. Semaglutides aid in this by enhancing insulin sensitivity and promoting better glucose uptake by cells, thereby reducing the burden on the pancreas and preventing hyperglycemia  (Ariana M Chao, Jena Shaw Tronieri,et al., 2022). 

Blood Sugar & Menopause

Blood sugar management is particularly crucial for perimenopausal women due to several physiological and hormonal changes that occur during this transitional phase. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in estrogen levels, can lead to reduced insulin sensitivity, making it more difficult to regulate blood sugar levels. This increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions such as increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Effective blood sugar management can help mitigate these risks and improve overall well-being during perimenopause. Semaglutides help with blood sugar management; however, you should be aware of the potential side effects associated with their use.

Effects of Semaglutides

Semaglutide side effects that were commonly seen in research studies include gastrointestinal (GI) issues, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney problems, thyroid tumors, and hypoglycemia (Smits and Raatle, 2021). Examples of cited GI issues include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Most of the GI side effects were mild-to-moderate. These side effects are often reported during the initial stages of treatment. They also tend to diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, some individuals may experience persistent GI discomfort. The study further looked at ways to mitigate the side effects by reducing foods that cause symptoms (food high in fat), decreasing portion sizes, eating more slowly, stopping when feeling full, and decreasing late-night eating (Chao, Ariana M., et al., 2022). 

In this study, pancreatic events occurred very rarely but were considered because semaglutides have an incretin medication classification. An incretin medication classification is a class of drugs used primarily to treat type 2 diabetes. The drug works by stimulating the pancreas to both increase insulin release and reduce glucagon release. One study reported a 0.2% risk of pancreatic cancers associated with semaglutides. The study concluded that longer-term studies and more research are needed to truly determine if there is a causal relationship between semaglutides and pancreatic events such as cancer (Chao, Ariana M., et al., 2022). 

Semaglutides & Chronic Diseases

Research to date does not show conclusive evidence that semaglutides are directly related to kidney, gallbladder, or thyroid complications, such as cancer. However, family history is integral in determining if there could be an increased risk (Ibrahim, S.S., Ibrahim, R.S., Arabi, B. et al.,  2024). More research is needed to determine the full effects semaglutides have on the kidneys, gallbladder, and thyroid. 

It is noteworthy that while a majority of studies involving semaglutides include women, there remains a lack of detailed breakdown regarding the sexes and ages of participants in the cited research. This gap underscores a limitation in current semaglutide research. Given the varied impacts of this medication on individuals, it is crucial to approach its use with personalized medical guidance. Consulting your healthcare provider is essential to navigate potential risks and benefits effectively. 

Semaglutides offer significant advantages in managing blood sugar, reducing the risk of metabolic diseases like cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and aiding in weight loss. However, it is vital to recognize that semaglutides may not be suitable for everyone. Assessing your medical history and determining your eligibility for this medication are critical steps. Additionally, understanding the long-term implications of weight management and potential considerations upon discontinuing the medication are essential topics to explore further. We will investigate these aspects further in the next article in this series.

References:  

1. Smits, Mark M., and Daniël H. Van Raalte. “Safety of semaglutide.” Frontiers in endocrinology 12 (2021): 645563. 

2. Ariana M Chao, Jena Shaw Tronieri, Anastassia Amaro & Thomas A Wadden (2022) Clinical Insight on Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management in Adults: Patient Selection and Special Considerations, Drug Design, Development and Therapy, , 4449-4461, DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S365416 

3. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Infor5. mation on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Incretin-Based Drugs. [Updated 2018 Jan 3]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548085/ 

4. Zhao Z, Tang Y, Hu Y, Zhu H, Chen X, Zhao B. Hypoglycemia following the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: a real-world analysis of post-marketing surveillance data. Ann Transl Med. 2021 Sep;9(18):1482. doi: 10.21037/atm-21-4162. PMID: 34734034; PMCID: PMC8506728. 

5. Ibrahim, S.S., Ibrahim, R.S., Arabi, B. et al. The effect of GLP-1R agonists on the medical triad of obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-024-10192-9 

Shop FemmePharma Intimate Skincare