What is Ozempic?

When you’re working through symptoms of PCOS, you need all the support you can get. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are tough. This is why having people, processes, and potential medications or supplements on your side can make you feel better physically and mentally. 

There are a lot of prescriptions out there for PCOS that can help with some of the symptoms, like insulin resistance, fertility, and inflammation. One of those popular medications used is Ozempic, which is a medication to treat type-2 diabetes. However, there are similar biological issues between a woman with PCOS and an adult with type-2 diabetes. 

Because of the similarities, this diabetes medication has shown some effectiveness in healing a few PCOS symptoms for some women with PCOS. As with all medications, though, there are risks and side effects—and a better natural solution. 

Let’s discuss Ozempic for PCOS and determine if it’s the right choice for you:

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is an injectable medication mostly used for diabetes! It helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Doctors prescribe it to patients who need a little help managing insulin, and it’s meant to work when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. 

Ozempic’s goal is to help control weight gain and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke through the management of insulin. 

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic works by working with your body to maintain proper insulin levels. When your blood sugar rises, the medication kicks in to help your pancreas release insulin. While simultaneously stopping your liver from making more sugar. Ozempic also slows down digestion to further support proper glucose processing.

What Is Ozempic Used For?

• Better management of type-2 diabetes
• To lower blood sugar and A1C
• To lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, heart attack, and death in adults with known heart disease 
• To aid in weight loss (although Ozempic is not a weight loss supplement)

Ozempic Side Effects

There are side effects with all medications. These are important to know before you make your informed decision. If you are already on Ozempic, call your doctor! Ozempic has side effects including: 

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Changes in vision (i.e. blurred vision) 
• Low blood sugar
• Kidney problems
• Serious allergic reactions (i.e. shortness of breath)
• Gallbladder problems
• Trouble swallowing
• Diabetic retinopathy

Can Ozempic Be Used For PCOS?

Yes, Ozempic can be used to manage PCOS. As you may already know, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often have insulin resistance, which makes them prone to blood sugar spikes, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes. (You can get an idea if you might have insulin-resistant PCOS by taking this quiz.)

Ozempic is helpful for some Cysters because it can support the insulin production and digestion process. It slows down the digestion of food, which can keep you feeling full and reduce the urge to snack.

Additionally, Ozempic works with your body to help maintain healthy blood sugar and insulin levels to avoid drastic fluctuations that can cause mood swings, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. It sounds like a great medication choice, but understand it doesn’t work for everyone and can come with its side effects. 

Ozempic, Metformin, and Ovasitol

Metformin is a similar prescription to Ozempic. Like Ozempic, it has a few side effects that are less-than-ideal and we always recommend a more natural approach to lose weight and manage blood sugar.

Plus, in a study of over 300 women using Ozempic to help alleviate symptoms of PCOS and increase insulin sensitivity, only about 30% of women saw significant long-term improvements in their symptoms. Those are better statistics than metformin. Only 11% of women saw changes using that medication. 

Though those statistics can be discouraging, there are many natural ways of managing your PCOS through diet, exercise, self-care, and a personalized vitamins and supplements regimen. Ovasitol is my favorite PCOS supplement. It’s a natural inositol supplement that works a little differently than Ozempic and metformin. 

Many women with PCOS have a defect in their insulin receptors that reduce the readiness of glucose-consuming cells. When this happens, the body obviously can’t get rid of glucose, which stimulates the body to create more insulin. Cue the PCOS symptoms here!

Ovasitol works to override this issue and ensure that cells are ready to absorb sugar so your body doesn’t need to create more insulin. And, the best part? This natural supplement works for 47% of PCOS women. That means it often works better than both the medications AND it’s all natural. 

Should You Try Ovasitol Instead of Ozempic?

Ovasitol has been shown to curb cravings, improve insulin levels, ease inflammation, enhance egg quality, reduce cholesterol, and aid in healthy weight loss. That covers a lot of PCOS symptoms! It’s not an all-in-one cure, by any means, but with other lifestyle changes and supplement support, you can likely find relief like so many others! 

Of course, make sure you discuss your choice with your doctor. While you wait for your appointment, listen to this podcast episode all about Ovasitol and its benefits over prescription medication.

How to Use Ozempic

If you and your doctor discuss Ozempic and decide it’s the right fit, here’s how you safely take your Ozempic injections:

Step One: Wash Your Hands

You’ll be working with a needle, so make sure your hands are thoroughly washed with warm water and soap, for at least 2 minutes. 

Step Two: Remove the Cap

Remove the Ozempic pen cap and check the liquid inside. The medication should be clear in the cylinder and not cloudy. If it’s cloudy, don’t inject it, and call your doctor. 

Step Three: Attach the Needle

Take the needle container and peel off the top tab. Then, screw it into the pen until it’s nice and tight. Once it’s tight, remove BOTH needle caps. There is both an outer and inner plastic covering. Make sure you remove both, so you can see the needle sticking out. (Don’t discard any pieces.)  

Step Four: Check the Flow

Turn the dial to the dose flow check symbol. Press and hold the dose button. You’ll see a little drop of Ozempic on the needle. You’ll only need to do this once per pen. 

Step Five: Set Your Dose

Turn the dial until you see your dose displayed. 

Step Six: Clean Your Skin

Clean your skin with an alcohol wipe on your thigh, waist, or upper arm, depending on your preference. Dry the skin afterward. 

Step Seven: Inject

Pinch your skin and inject at a 90-degree angle. Make sure the display is visible and press the button. Once it winds down, hold for 6 seconds and remove. 

Step Eight: Prepare for the Next Injection

Put the outer plastic cap back onto the needle and screw the needle off. Discard the needle. Close the pen and put it somewhere safe until your next injection. 

How Long Does It Take For Ozempic To Work?

According to a case study, a woman with PCOS lost 70 pounds and regained her periods after taking Ozempic (semaglutide) for 5.5 months. While trying to avoid the side effects of Ozempic (or most other medications) start with a low dosage and start increasing it over time. So remember, losing weight may help make medications recommended for PCOS work better. I also think it’s worth talking to a registered dietitian to figure out the best weight-loss plan for you.

You should also make note that Ozempic isn’t recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes, as it is designed for type 2 diabetes treatments. The same goes for multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder that affects hormone-producing glands. And it’s as I always say… Make sure you discuss any/all medical conditions you have with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication. They will definitely know better!

Take control of PCOS symptoms with Ovasitol, Ozempic, or Metformin. Consult your provider.

If you feel like despite your lifestyle changes, you’re failing to make strides, work with your doctor to decide which one feels right for you. Talk with your doctor to get their input and determine the best course of action. I hope you gain some relief soon through a sustainable and effective treatment solution! 

For more information on PCOS healing, check out our blog and podcast! We share regular tips and research to help Cysters thrive. Also, join our Cysterhood for the community, accountability, meal plans, workouts, and so much more. We’re all in this together!