I’ve suffered vaginal yeast infections my whole life because of Insulin Resistance, PCOS, and Type 2 Diabetes. I also battled candidal intertrigo… yeasties in the folds of fat in my stomach, on my thighs, and in my butt crack… from early teen years until… well, until I went on GLP-1s (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1).
Looking around the Net, there seems to be conflicting thoughts on whether GLP-1 medications like Trulicity, Ozempic, and Mounjaro cause yeast infections or not.
There are some diabetes medications that do cause yeast infections. Let’s look at those first.
SGLT2: Diabetes Medications With
Proven Yeast Side Effects
Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors are another option for Type 2 diabetics. They came out in 2013, whereas the first GLP-1 came out in 2005 (exenatide). I have not researched the SGLT2 medications so don’t know why an Endocrinologist would choose that over a GLP-1. I’ll poke around and see what I can find.
Until then, though, take a look at some of the lovely side effects the SGLT2s can give you. They make the side effects of GLP-1s seem like butterflies annoying you.
- Vaginal yeast infection.
- Yeast infection of the skin around the penis.
- Serious urinary tract infections. Serious urinary tract infections can occur in people taking JARDIANCE and may lead to hospitalization.
- Necrotizing fasciitis. A rare but serious bacterial infection that causes damage to the tissue under the skin in the area between and around your anus and genitals (perineum).
- Amputations. SGLT2 inhibitors may increase your risk of lower limb amputations.
The SGLT2 inhibitors include: Invokana (canagliflozin), Jardiance (empagliflozin), Farxiga (dapagliflozin), Steglatro (ertugliflozin), and Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin).
What About the GLP-1 Meds?
I started looking at this because I was talking to someone trying to figure out if they had a bladder infection or a yeast infection. She is on Mounjaro and monitoring her blood glucoses, so know they have been well within the normal range. I told her it was unlikely she would have a yeast infection because yeasties thrive on sugar and hers have been low enough, that it would be weird if she did. She got a UTI home test and a Vaginal Yeast home test and sure enough, I was right… it was a UTI. In fact, it was diagnosed by the doctor as pyelonephritis.
Ironically, I also have pyelonephritis and am also on Mounjaro. That sent me looking for what that might be about.
Not. Enough. Water.
Especially those that have any of the gastro-intestinal issues like nausea or vomiting. It can be tough to get your water in when you don’t feel like putting anything in your stomach. But I am thinking my friend’s and my pyelo might be from not drinking enough water. Neither of us has GI symptoms, but I know I am not drinking enough. I started counting ounces today… shooting for 120. Apparently, an ounce for every pound you are or want to be is the goal. If I did that, I would be drinking 244 ounces a day! I might not get pyelo, but I also wouldn’t get anything done unless I was in the baño.
Back to the Yeast Issue
Depending on where you look, some sites say that yes, the GLP-1 meds can cause candida.
“Yeast infections are a common side effect of semaglutide, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes.”
I do want to say this was the only site that said this so emphatically. It is an Urgent Care Center, not a study.
Others speak about the SGLT2 Inhibitors being the only culprit.
“Because they increase glucose levels in the urine, the most common side effects include genital yeast infections.“
I thought this spoke more about diabetics being the ones prone to yeast infections.
There is anecdotal evidence by some users of semaglutide of endocrine disruption, including menstrual irregularities such as erratic/delayed periods and an increase in yeast infections and disrupted vaginal flora. Yeast infections are more common in diabetics and those with blood sugar dysregulation, including those on medication.
I addressed the menstrual changes in this post – Menstrual Cycles, Fertility, and GLP-1s.
However, it is common knowledge that diabetics get yeast infections much easier than those without it.
Research has shown a significant link between high blood sugar and vaginal yeast infections.
A 2018 study that included data from over 300,000 people found that those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of infection, including yeast infection, than people without the condition.
Yeast feeds off of sugar. If your diabetes isn’t well-controlled, your blood sugar levels can spike to very high levels.
This increase in sugar can cause yeast to overgrow, particularly in the vaginal area. Your body may develop a yeast infection in response.
What’s the Answer?
I lean towards no, GLP-1s do not cause yeast infections or are a side effect of a GLP-1. But that is an educated opinion, so take it for what it’s worth. (Not much.) I will be watching for this topic, though. I am intrigued!
You all on GLP-1s, have you had yeast infections in your genital or intertrigo areas since starting the meds? I would love to hear from you!
all photos by Barb Herrera