GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are among the most popular drugs for weight loss in the United States (though were first indicated for type 2 diabetes management). Research is showing that women are driving much of that demand related to weight loss support—in fact, an August 2025 RAND report found that nearly one in five women ages 50 to 64 now take a GLP-1, with overall usage higher among women than men.
Like any medication, GLP-1s come with known side effects that can affect both men and women, including nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue. But recently, a different observation has been trending across TikTok, Instagram, and other health forums: it’s been referred to as “Ozempic vagina.”
The phrase isn’t an official medical diagnosis, but a term some women use to describe changes in the vaginal and vulvar area after significant weight loss. These shifts—often related to fat loss and skin changes—”are most seen when someone quickly loses weight,” explains Natasha Bhuyan, MD, a board-certified family physician at Amazon One Medical in Phoenix. That’s why healthcare providers emphasize gradual, supervised weight loss to support overall health and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects.
Ahead, Dr. Bhuyan explains what’s really behind this supposed issue, and other notes women should keep in mind about their health while taking GLP-1 medications.
What is “Ozempic vagina”?
Ozempic vagina is a term some women are using to describe changes they notice in their bodies after losing weight on GLP-1 medications.
“GLP-1 medications lead to weight loss, which can result in loss of subcutaneous and vulvar fat as well as skin sagging,” Dr. Bhuyan says. In other words, the fatty tissue that provides natural cushioning and volume in the vulvar area may undergo reduction—similar to how weight loss can make the face look thinner or breasts appear smaller. When the process happens quickly, the skin may not have time to adjust, which can sometimes result in looser or less firm tissue.
Because this is a very personal part of the body, even subtle changes may feel noticeable. Beyond appearance or perceived feeling, some women also report vaginal dryness or a sensation of pelvic muscle weakness. Vaginal dryness can cause irritation, burning, or discomfort during intimacy, while weakened pelvic muscles may feel like a loss of support in the pelvic floor—sometimes leading to heaviness or even light leakage when coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
Is this an actual side effect of GLP-1 medications?
“Vaginal and vulvar changes are not officially considered a side effect of a GLP-1 medication,” says Dr. Bhuyan. Instead, these shifts are usually tied to rapid weight loss and how it impacts fat and skin across the body.
The same applies to symptoms like vaginal dryness or pelvic muscle weakness. “In general, vaginal dryness or pelvic floor issues are often linked to estrogen deficiency, especially in postmenopausal women,” Dr. Bhuyan explains.
She adds another explanation for why some individuals might seem to observe this association: “Weight gain is also linked to the perimenopausal and post-menopausal state, and a GLP-1 is a reasonable treatment for this for those who qualify.” What this means is that for some women, the weight loss effects of a GLP-1 and the symptoms of low estrogen may occur at the same time, making it difficult to tell whether the changes are due to the medication, hormonal shifts, or both.
GLP-1 medications and pregnancy
Another important women’s health consideration with GLP-1s is pregnancy. “A trend we have seen is women getting pregnant while on a GLP-1 medication,” says Dr. Bhuyan. This often happens because weight loss can improve fertility, which may lead to unplanned pregnancy.
GLP-1 drugs are not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data, and they also should not be used while breastfeeding.
Contraception is another key point to keep in mind. Certain GLP-1s—especially tirzepatide (which may be sold as Mounjaro or Zepbound)—may interfere with how well oral contraceptive pills work. “It’s important to consider either a backup form of contraception, or other forms of contraception, for people on tirzepatide,” Dr. Bhuyan advises.
Can these drugs cause a yeast infection?
There have been reports of individuals—both women and men—experiencing yeast infections while on certain types of these drugs. However, “There is no evidence that GLP-1 medications increase the risk of yeast infections,” according to Dr. Bhuyan. “In fact, stabilizing your blood sugar can reduce the risk of yeast infection.”
That said, there’s also no strong evidence that GLP-1 drugs directly prevent yeast infections either. More research is needed to fully understand a connection.
When to see a doctor
“It’s important to understand the root causes of the issues that women may be experiencing,” Dr. Bhuyan says. Many factors beyond medication—such as autoimmune disorders, hormonal changes, or cardiovascular conditions—can impact women’s health. That’s why she recommends reaching out to your doctor if you notice new or concerning symptoms.
If you’re experiencing symptoms similar to the vulvar changes described here, your doctor can walk you through effective treatment options. Noninvasive approaches may include vaginal moisturizers or lubricants to relieve dryness, pelvic floor physical therapy to improve support, or topical estrogen creams to restore local hormone balance.
For more pronounced changes, advanced therapies may be considered. These can range from hormone replacement therapy to in-office procedures, such as laser or radiofrequency treatments, that encourage tissue tightening, or even surgery to correct laxity and restore volume.
Ultimately, the best approach is a personalized one. Partnering with a trusted healthcare provider can help you pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and find the solution that helps you feel comfortable and confident again.
