University of Pennsylvania researchers using AI to analyze reports of GLP-1 side effects on Reddit (reproductive issues + temperature changes)
Hi everyone,
I am posting this across multiple GLP-1 subs to spread awareness and to hopefully reach anyone experiencing similar symptoms. Apologize for the length in advance!
I just came across this article this morning on sciencemag.com that discusses how researchers at University of Pennsylvania are now using AI to scan through thousands of reddit posts on GLP-1 subs to gather data on currently unknown (as in backed by scientific study) side effects such as (female) reproductive issues (irregular periods and pelvic pain) and body temperature changes (hot/cold flashes).
Because female reproductive systems are often the last thing to be studied, there are no current studies done on the link between GLP-1s causing reproductive issues. The only connection made so far has been weight loss = good for menstrual cycles and reproduction. There does also seem to be an understanding that increased weight loss can cause irregular cycles and pelvic pain. However, nothing is currently proven for these issues to happen within the first few months of taking GLP-1s before significant weight loss occurs.
This feels timely for my own experience. I just took my 7th injection of Wegovy last night (3rd .5mg dose) and have been experiencing some pretty serious reproductive side effects since my 5th injection such as: a now 2 week delayed period and severe pelvic pain. I myself have been using reddit to desperately find anyone else going through the same thing. I have contacted multiple providers (the ones through Ro who prescribe it to me, primary care, and have an upcoming appt with my Gyno) and have been gaslit about these symptoms. Being gaslit my medical providers is nothing new because I have PCOS and endometriosis. The response I've been getting about these new symptoms is that it must be due to my previous medical issues. However, as most folks w these specific issues well know, my body is highly monitored and any little deviation is noticed. Before starting Wegovy, I lost 50lbs and regulated my cycle (every 32 days) for over a year with very predictable pelvic pain only during ovulation and leading up to my period. The only recent change has been starting Wegovy and I know this is the cause of my new symptoms. I'll be taking this article to my appointments from now on!
I am a researcher myself and openly not an AI supporter, so I'm not sure how I feel about that aspect of this research but I think that's perhaps another topic for another time. What this research does reveal is that Reddit is being looked at as a sample size and reported symptoms here are being monitored.
This article is not a scientifically proven study (yet) but it does bring hope to see that researchers are currently paying attention to these issues and those of us that have been experiencing them can feel some relief that we aren't making it up!
TLDR: University of Pennsylvania researchers are scanning GLP-1 subreddits for reported symptoms for at least female reproductive issues (irregular periods and pelvic pain) and body temperature changes (hot/cold flashes). Have been experiencing irregular periods and pelvic pain myself and been gaslit that Wegovy doesn't cause this. Article is not scientific fact that this is the cause but it's hope!