You may have heard of “Ozempic face,” but some women who have taken Ozempic for weight loss are now reporting experiencing “Ozempic vulva” as well. In recent years, some people have started using GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss. Although some people have found these kinds of drugs helpful, using them comes with the risk of side effects — some of which are reportedly changing women’s vulvas and affecting their vaginal health.
The term “Ozempic face” has been used to describe facial changes like sagging and wrinkles, but as Harvard Health points out, these changes are not unique to Ozempic. They can occur whenever someone loses a significant amount of weight over a short period of time.
Like Ozempic face, “Ozempic vulva” refers to changes in appearance. Some women report labial wrinkling and sagging after losing weight with the help of weight loss drugs, the Daily Mail reported. These changes are not just about aesthetics, though, as they can also lead to discomfort. According to the newspaper, some women deal with more pain or discomfort during sex or other activities such as cycling or running.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Justin Perron told the Daily Mail that some women might notice labial changes because significant weight loss affects the whole body. “Loss of subcutaneous fat is global – including the mons pubis and labia majora – sometimes giving the area a deflated or ‘aged’ look,” he explained.
He added that, “these changes are more pronounced with rapid weight loss and in women over 35, where natural collagen and elastin reserves are already reduced.”
In 2024, Dr. Melanie Bone warned Newsweek that GLP-1 drugs “can potentially impact vaginal health in several unexpected ways.”
She identified vaginal dryness as one of the potential issues. “The rapid weight loss induced by GLP-1 agonists may alter hormone levels, which could affect vaginal lubrication and tissue health. Some women may experience increased vaginal dryness as a result,” Bone told the magazine. “Additionally, GLP-1 agonists can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms may lead to dehydration, which could further contribute to vaginal dryness and discomfort.”
Per Harvard Health, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are the most common side effects of these drugs. In more serious cases, the drugs might lead to pancreatitis, gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, or gallstone attacks.
