GLP-1 medications, including the popular brand Ozempic, have made headlines for their dramatic weight loss results. Initially created to treat type 2 diabetes, the medications were a favorite among those wanting to lose weight due to their ability to control hunger. Semaglutide, the active drug found in Ozempic, makes consumers full for extended periods, resulting in significant weight loss in the body. However, with increasing popularity comes an uptick in reports of unusual side effects—some of which are leaving women shocked and bewildered.

Among the most surprising and strange side effects making the rounds among users is what has been colloquially referred to as "Ozempic vulva." The condition involves a reduction of fat in the labia majora, a sagging appearance, pain during routine activities, and alteration of sexual anatomy aesthetics. Although sagging skin and loss of elasticity have long been linked to weight loss, particularly if it occurs rapidly, this particular side effect has only recently emerged.

A Reddit poster posted a first-hand account of experiencing the results for herself. Losing 44 pounds, she at first was jubilant about the outcome. "I've been extremely fortunate and I don't have any sagging skin in my belly or arms/legs that I can notice," she described. But the biggest shock was when she went for a gynecologist appointment. "Turns out I've lost all my fat pads in my vulva! She informed me my vulva is droopy and I will keep on having pain when cycling/sitting unless I undergo surgery or wear fillers," the user posted.

The Redditor also revealed that pelvic floor physical therapy was provided as a substitute for cosmetic intervention, although it would not fully reverse the deflation. Her case highlights the need to be aware of how sudden weight loss, especially from medications such as GLP-1s, can impact lesser-known parts of the body.

Medically, the vulva comprises external female genitalia, mostly the labia minora and labia majora, that act as cushioning protection. Fat loss in this region may cause a greater prominence of the pelvic bones, decrease in cushioning, and pain during exercises like cycling, running, or sitting for extended periods.

What is 'Ozempic Vulva'?

The vulva is the external female genitalia, especially the labia majora covering the inner structures. Redditors and users of internet forums have described decreased fat pads in this region after precipitous weight loss caused by GLP-1 medication. One Redditor summed up her experience thus: after losing 20 kg (44 pounds), she developed pain when she cycled or sat for long hours. A gynecologist described losing much of the natural padding around her vulva, leading to a sagging sensation and discomfort during exercise.

This trend, affectionately but aptly called "Ozempop vulva," highlights a singular and seldom-talked-about side effect of weight loss caused by medications. For most women, it's not just aesthetic; it impacts daily comfort, sex, and self-esteem.

Cosmetic treatments have evolved as a result of this trend. "Labia puffing" is an increasingly sought-after procedure for women who experience vulvar deflation. This treatment either involves the use of dermal fillers or fat transfer to add volume to the labia majora, evening out the texture and alleviating discomfort. Though effective, it is quite expensive, between $2,600 and $6,500 in America.

Healthcare professionals are urging caution. Novo Nordisk, the drug maker of Ozempic, reassured the public that patient safety is of utmost priority and assured that the medicines are to be used only for approved use in a medical setting. They also urge reporting side effects to healthcare professionals or regulatory bodies. "Treatment decisions should be made together with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the appropriateness of using a GLP-1 based on assessment of a patient's individual medical profile," said the company.

The larger context of extreme weight loss makes visible the far-reaching consequences GLP-1 drugs can have. Patients experience a range of side effects, from gastrointestinal distress to loose skin, facial fat redistribution, and effects on sexual anatomy and desire. While the physical changes are something to be admired, these effects are a reminder that extreme weight loss is not risk-free.

Incidentally, online discussions of "Ozempic vulva" have become widespread in private online forums and social media sites. Users freely exchange experiences, coping mechanisms, and aesthetic issues. Many recommend practical measures like padded bike shorts or briefer periods of exercise to alleviate discomfort. Others discuss surgical or nonsurgical treatments, although opinions are highly diverse on whether such a procedure would be desirable or required.

Medical professionals emphasize the need for integrated treatment. Sudden loss of weight must be watched over by medical professionals who can advise on likely risks to both general health and particular aspects such as the vulva. Preservation of muscle tone, padding, and elasticity of skin is essential to avoid long-term complications. For women suffering from discomfort, focused physical therapy, proper protective equipment during exercise, and well-informed consideration of cosmetic interventions may all be part of a successful management plan.

Finally, "Ozempic vulva" highlights an increasing trend on the intersection of weight-loss medication and women's health. While the drug has transformed weight control for millions of people, its unintended side effects serve as a reminder that there are risks associated with every medical intervention and that they need to be closely monitored. Education, research, and transparency with healthcare professionals are critical towards preventing such unintended outcomes.

As GLP-1 drugs become more mainstream, patients and providers alike need to be watchful. New side effects such as "Ozempic vulva" demonstrate the importance of full education on the entire range of possible changes wrought by sudden weight loss. Meanwhile, women dealing with these effects are complying with both medical advice and home remedies, being resilient in the face of an odd but increasingly prevalent health issue.

By now, most of us know the liver as the tireless detox unit of the body. It takes in the grease, sugar, alcohol, and all the questionable late-night binge decisions and keeps life moving smoothly. But when the liver is badly scarred by cirrhosis, the consequences are not just digestive. According to Dr Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist, it can creep up and affect your brain in a condition known as overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). And trust us, the symptoms can be stranger than ever.

Can your liver change your personality?

Yes, and it is not even funny. "OHE is a complication of cirrhosis and occurs when the liver sustains damage and loses its ability to remove toxins from the bloodstream effectively, causing toxins to accumulate and lead to impaired brain function," explains Dr Salhab.

The results in symptoms that do not immediately lead to liver problems. People may develop personality changes, tremors, disorientation, or even a complete shift in their sleep-wake cycles. Imagine feeling jetlagged without ever stepping on a plane.

Also Read: Why Your Anxiety Might Be In Your DNA: Study

Spotting the red flags

Dr Salhab stresses that OHE often goes undetected because its symptoms can look like other issues—stress, ageing, or even just a bad week. Confusion, forgetfulness, mood swings, and sudden changes in behaviour are all warning signs that should not be ignored. Families sometimes notice it first, especially when a usually calm person turns irritable or when handwriting suddenly looks shaky and uneven.

Tremors and clumsiness are another giveaway. These motor symptoms are particularly telling because they show the brain is being affected in very real ways.

It is this toxin overload that leads to the neurological and psychological effects we see in OHE. This makes OHE not just a medical problem but a quality-of-life bombshell.

Why it matters more than you think

Left unchecked, OHE episodes can become severe, even leading to hospitalisation. Patients might not recognise loved ones, forget basic routines, or lose the ability to care for themselves. The impact is not just medical but social and emotional. It affects families, careers, and independence.

In fact, many carers share stories of how they mistook early OHE signs for dementia or burnout. It is only after medical consultation that the link between liver and brain became clear.

Also Read: How Neoadjuvant Therapy Changes The Game In Breast Cancer Treatment

Can OHE be managed?

The good news is yes, but it requires vigilance. The first step is awareness. Knowing that cirrhosis can lead to OHE empowers patients and families to act early. Regular check-ups, honest conversations with doctors, and close monitoring of symptoms are essential in staying ahead of episodes.

Lifestyle choices also make a difference. Following medical advice on diet, avoiding alcohol, and keeping other health issues like diabetes under control can all reduce the strain on the liver.

Talking to your doctor without holding back

One of the biggest obstacles is silence. People usually do not report symptoms like confusion or mood swings because they do not connect them to their liver condition. But being open about every change, no matter how small, helps doctors spot OHE early.

Even something as simple as poor sleep or hand tremors can be clues your doctor needs. Despite sounding like a rare complication, OHE is more common than most realise. Cirrhosis itself is a growing health issue, linked not only to alcohol but also to obesity and viral hepatitis. As cirrhosis rates rise, awareness about OHE has to grow too.

If you or someone you love has cirrhosis, those little signs like irritability, shaking hands, or sudden confusion might not just be signs. They could be OHE waving its red flag. And the earlier it is caught, the better the chances of managing it.

Vax-Before-Travel, an international publisher of vaccine information noted that in 2025 Lyme disease ticks have progressed westward into many midwestern states. It has also reported a significant increase. However, while the Tick Season is back, there is a new Lyme treatment on the horizon. But, with it, there are also unique symptoms that one has to be aware of.

Unique Symptoms Of Lyme Disease In 2025

The ongoing threat of ticks is usual when one is enjoying their time as the weather warms up. They can be found in your backyard and can transmit Lyme disease, a tickborne infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.

While Lyme disease is usually resolved with a short course of antibiotics, it is not always a simple illness. Sometimes, it can lead to prolonged symptoms, if untreated.

As per American Medical Association (AMA), Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the US, with an estimated 476,000 people diagnosed and treated each year. The numbers are also corroborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Maryland Government Health website also notes that for about 75% of those diagnosed with Lyme disease, the first sign is always a skin lesion. This appears within one to four weeks after being bitten by an infected deer tick. However, only about 20% of these lesions take on the classic bull's eye appearance, which is most commonly associated with Lyme disease. This means, 55% of those with lesions may not even be diagnosed with the condition, and may not get the treatment.

ALSO READ: Lyme Disease In US: How Worried Should You Be Of Ticks?

Here Are 7 Unique Symptoms Of Lyme Disease

Heart Problems

The Time reports that if Lyme is not treated early on, it can impact the cardiac, neurologic, and rheumatologic systems. The CDC notes that 1 out of 100 patients have Lyme bacteria in their heart tissues. The condition is also called Lyme carditis.

This leads to heart inflammation, light headedness, fainting, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or chest pain.

Brain Fog

John Hopkins Medicine Lyme Disease Research Center notes that advanced brain imaging shows that Lyme disease brain fog is real. It can lead to various brain effects, including difficulty in focusing, thinking, reading, and absorbing information.

Bell's Palsy

There are 12 essential nerves, also known as the cranial nerves that originate in the brain and play an important role in sensory functions and movements in the different parts of the head, face, neck, and torso. Lyme disease can also affect those nerves, leading to Bell's Palsy, causing sudden weakness or even paralysis.

Eye Problems

Some people may experience eye irritation and conjunctivitis. The American Journal of Medicine's 1995 study also suggests that Lyme can cause sudden vision loss, damage to optic nerve, and neurotrophic keratitis (decreased corneal sensation). Other symptoms include blurry vision, eye floaters, tearing and extreme sensitivity to light.

Hearing Problems

A 2018 study published in Otolaryngologia Polska, reported of the 216 people with tickborne disease, 162 experienced otolaryngological symptoms—making them a “frequent manifestation,” according to the study authors. The most common hearing issues are tinnitus, vertigo and dizziness, headache, and unilateral sensorineural hearing or hearing loss in one ear.

Arthritis

It is one of the common symptoms of Lyme disease, especially in young people. It can be seen in form of a swollen knee, a low grade fever, or a kid limping. It usually starts at a fourth week of being bitten.

On a hopeful note, researchers at Northwestern University in Illinois recently screened over 500 antibiotics and FDA-approved compounds to identify treatments that specifically target the unique cellular makeup of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria behind Lyme disease.

Their findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, revealed that piperacillin, an antibiotic from the penicillin family, successfully cured mice of Lyme disease at doses 100 times lower than doxycycline, the standard treatment currently in use.

Fatigue

This is not just any fatigue, but a weakness that is debilitating. A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases noted that people with a history of Lyme were 8 to 15 times more likely to report severe or moderate fatigue than those who have never had the disease.

READ: Family Shares How A Lyme Disease Misdiagnosis Cost Their Son's Childhood

How Long Do These Symptoms Last?

As per the National Health Service, (NHS), UK, in case of a rash, it can appear up to 3 months after being bitten by an infected tick. However, in most common cases, it appears within 1 to 4 weeks, and stays for several weeks.

In cases of untreated Lyme disease, the symptoms may appear later, and may become chronic, like debilitating fatigue.

Breast cancer has a strange way of being both familiar and frightening. Almost everyone knows someone who has battled it, and yet the details of treatment often sound like an alien language. According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with 2.3 million new cases in 2022 alone. Among these, about 15 to 20 per cent are HER2-positive, the type that is fast-moving, aggressive, and hard to ignore.

Increasingly, the doctors are turning to a strategy that feels a bit like hitting “pause” before the main act—neoadjuvant therapy.

What Makes HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Tricky

HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a protein that helps cells grow. In HER2-positive breast cancer, the cells get an overdose of this protein. As a result, the cancer multiplies faster than usual and is often linked to poorer outcomes.

“HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive type,” explains Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, co-founder, Art Of Healing Cancer. “It is very important to give the right information to patients and their families for better outcomes. With the right treatment sequence, it is possible to offer better treatment to patients.”

What Is Neoadjuvant Therapy?

Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is like a warm-up session but for cancer treatment. Instead of rushing into surgery to remove the tumour, doctors first administer chemotherapy and targeted drugs. The idea is to shrink the tumour, make surgery easier, and gather valuable intel on how the cancer responds.

“Nowadays, when we talk about HER2-positive breast cancer, we talk about targeted therapy and dual targeted therapy involving both trastuzumab and pertuzumab,” says Dr Malhotra. Both are monoclonal antibodies, meaning they are lab-made molecules designed to stick to specific parts of cancer cells. Together with chemotherapy, they not only shrink tumours but also improve surgical outcomes.

Why Doctors Like It

One of the superpowers of neoadjuvant therapy is its ability to act as a kind of crystal ball. By giving treatment before surgery, doctors can tell which patients are “responders” and which are not.

“As Dr Malhotra puts it, “Even at early stages, if we give NT and then operate, we are able to prognosticate. Responders have a better prognosis. Non-responders have poorer prognosis and a higher chance of the cancer coming back.”

This ability to sort patients into risk categories allows doctors to tailor follow-up care more precisely. For example, non-responders may be put on more aggressive treatments, offered newer diagnostic tests like liquid biopsy, or monitored more closely.

The Big Advantage Over Surgery-First

Surgery-first and neoadjuvant-first have similar survival data, but the latter provides an extra layer of information.

“If we do upfront surgery in these patients, we lose the chance of prognostication,” says Dr Malhotra. “Secondly, even if we do the upfront surgery, we will still have to give chemo with targeted therapy after surgery. So the treatment does not change; the sequence changes. And with neoadjuvant therapy, we get the added benefit of knowing who is high risk and who is low risk.”

In other words, neoadjuvant therapy is not just about shrinking tumours; it is about outsmarting them.

What Patients Need to Keep in Mind

For patients, all of this can feel overwhelming. Surgery often seems like the most direct way to “get rid” of cancer, so the idea of delaying it can cause anxiety. But Dr Malhotra reassures patients that this approach is carefully designed.

“Even in very early-stage breast cancer, with a less than 1 cm tumour, I will not go for surgery first,” he says. “I will first give targeted chemotherapy. The reason is I see a lot of patients who have already had surgery and then are given the option of dual therapy. They are confused and afraid that the cancer will come back if they cannot afford either trastuzumab or pertuzumab.”

Interestingly, cost can also play a role. If patients achieve a complete response, meaning no invasive cancer remains after neoadjuvant therapy, sometimes treatment can be stopped earlier, sparing both physical and financial strain. “We lose this opportunity if surgery is opted for first,” Dr Malhotra adds.

The Future of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Treatment

The shift towards neoadjuvant therapy represents a significant change in how doctors approach HER2-positive breast cancer. Instead of rushing in with surgery, the modern strategy is more like a chess game, carefully setting up each move to give patients the best possible outcome.

By combining chemotherapy with targeted drugs like trastuzumab and pertuzumab before surgery, doctors can shrink tumours, assess risk, personalise treatment, and often improve long-term survival.

Breast cancer treatment has always been a mix of science, strategy, and courage. Neoadjuvant therapy, especially in HER2-positive cases, is proving to be more than just a pre-surgery step. It is a game-changer, giving both patients and doctors a crucial edge in the fight.

As Dr Malhotra puts it, “Neoadjuvant therapy is not an inferior modality. With current data, we feel it is a superior one.”