A pharmacist has shared the possible pain-relieving benefits of the type 2 diabetes drug Mounjaro, which could help millions of women suffering from endometriosis. The condition causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow outside the uterus.
It can result in intense pelvic pain and may complicate the ability to conceive. Endometriosis can begin with a person's first menstrual cycle and continue until menopause.
A recent BBC report shows that endometriosis is causing skilled women to leave the workforce due to a lack of support and understanding from employers. According to research, women diagnosed with endometriosis often earn less due to reduced working hours. In some cases, they leave their jobs entirely due to the condition.
Hira Malik, co-founder and chief pharmacist at Oushk Pharmacy, and obesity expert, has shared her expert insights on how Mounjaro could be used to ease symptoms of endometriosis. Mounjaro is a prescription-only treatment for type 2 diabetes.
It contains the active ingredient tirzepatid, which works by activating two receptors called GLP-1 and GIP to increase the level of incretin hormones in the body. Doctors primarily prescribe Mounjaro to help lower blood sugar levels, alongside diet and physical activity, in people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Mounjaro may also be used for other conditions as determined by your GP. It's possible that Mounjaro might help ease some people's endometriosis symptoms, due to it possibly reducing inflammation in the body.
However, as Mounjaro is a relatively new drug, further studies are required to confirm these claims. The connection between weight and endometriosis is intricate and distinct compared to other health conditions.
Exploring Mounjaro’s potential for endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition affecting one in ten women in the UK. Symptoms include severe pelvic pain, inflammation, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances, which can significantly impact quality of life.
Weight management and metabolic health play an essential role in symptom control, some health experts say. Mounjaro’s possible effects on appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity, and weight loss could be an unexpected tool for some individuals managing the condition.
Hira Malik says there may be potential benefits of Mounjaro in supporting women with endometriosis. While the medication is primarily licensed for managing type 2 diabetes, emerging insights suggest it could help with some of the metabolic and hormonal challenges that accompany endometriosis.
"Mounjaro is not a treatment for endometriosis itself," Hira clarifies. "However, many women with the condition struggle with weight fluctuations, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation, all of which can exacerbate symptoms. By helping to regulate appetite, blood sugar levels, and metabolic function, Mounjaro may support a holistic approach to managing endometriosis."
How Mounjaro could support symptom management
Weight management is a key factor in hormonal balance and inflammation control. Excess weight may contribute to higher oestrogen levels, which could worsen endometriosis symptoms. Insulin resistance, which is more common in individuals with endometriosis, may lead to energy fluctuations, increased cravings, and further inflammation.
Hira emphasises that Mounjaro should only be considered under strict medical supervision and as part of a wider symptom management plan. This may include hormonal treatments, pain management, and lifestyle changes.
"Managing endometriosis symptoms is about finding the right combination of medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and metabolic support," she explains. "We have seen that for some women, achieving a healthier weight and improving insulin sensitivity can contribute to better symptom control and improved daily well-being.
"Many experience intense food cravings, particularly around their menstrual cycles, making it difficult to maintain balanced nutrition. By regulating appetite and preventing overeating, Mounjaro could help support healthier eating habits.
"Additionally, for those who struggle with weight management due to hormonal imbalances or pain that limits physical activity, it may provide extra support in achieving a healthy weight. Mounjaro also improves insulin sensitivity, which may positively impact energy levels, reduce inflammation, and support overall metabolic health."
Managing the symptoms of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - a common hormonal disorder in women - may be effectively achieved by keeping a healthy weight. Shedding some pounds can influence hormone levels, which in turn can help stabilise menstrual cycles.
Even a modest weight loss of 5% has been proven to improve PCOS symptoms. In a clinical trial, participants who took 10mg of Mounjaro experienced an average weight loss of 17% from their initial body weight, while those on 5mg of Mounjaro lost about 15% of their starting weight.
How does Mounjaro work?
This medicine is licensed for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes and is used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Mounjaro is designed to help maintain blood sugar levels within a healthy range. It lowers blood sugar through several mechanisms. When blood sugar (glucose) levels rise, it boosts insulin production in your body.
Insulin is a hormone that enables your body to utilise glucose for energy. Mounjaro also inhibits your liver from releasing stored sugar into the bloodstream, slowing down the absorption of food and beverages you consume. Mounjaro could also aid in weight management by controlling appetite, promoting a sense of fullness, curbing cravings, and assisting users in consuming smaller portions.
The most common side effects of Mounjaro include:
- Nausea.
- Diarrhoea.
- Decreased appetite.
- Vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Upset stomach or stomach pain.
While less common, Mounjaro still has some serious side effects. The drug may cause allergic reactions, thyroid tumours, inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar when used with other diabetes drugs, kidney damage, gallbladder problems and vision changes.
Mounjaro is not used to treat type 1 diabetes. Do not use Mounjaro unless a healthcare provider has prescribed it to you. The impact of alcohol on Mounjaro is not well understood, but it can influence blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. This could potentially disrupt the effectiveness of Mounjaro. Therefore, it's advisable to reduce your alcohol consumption.
