Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that develop in and around the anus. Some causes of hemorrhoids, also known as piles, include constipation, sitting too long on the toilet, and straining to pass a bowel movement. Recently, there has been a rise in the use of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy for individuals who are trying to lose weight. And, because they can impact your diet and digestion, there are important factors to consider when it comes to GLP-1 medications and hemorrhoids.

Key takeaways:

• When hemorrhoids develop internally and cause itching, bleeding and/or discomfort, minimally invasive HAE can provide relief without surgery
• GLP-1 medications can impact digestion in ways that increase your hemorrhoid risk
• Making diet and lifestyle adjustments can reduce that risk

How Ozempic Impacts Digestion

Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications can reduce your appetite, meaning you’re less likely to take in large amounts of fiber-rich fluids. This medication class can also change the fluid balance in your body, meaning stool may be harder to pass. Finally, the medications can directly impact your digestion, slowing down the process. In combination, these factors can increase your risk for constipation—and, in turn, for hemorrhoids.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Forming inside your rectum or beneath the skin surrounding your anus, hemorrhoids are simply enlarged, swollen veins. They can become painful and, depending on their location and degree of protrusion, they can cause symptoms such as:

• Itching
• Discomfort
• Bleeding
• Swelling

While rarely dangerous, these symptoms can interfere with your daily activities, impacting your quality of life. For that reason, you may wish to address hemorrhoid risk factors in your life, including your use of GLP-1 medications.

GLP-1 Medications and Hemorrhoids

While this class of medication can increase your hemorrhoid risk, it’s important to remember that obesity can have the same effect on your body. If you need the support of medication to lose weight, taking a drug like Ozempic does not have to leave you with piles. To help prevent hemorrhoid formation, you can focus on the following:

• Increase fiber in your diet, giving particular focus to these 5 foods to prevent hemorrhoids. (If you are struggling to get more fiber in your diet, you can also consider supplementation, if approved by your doctor.)
• Drink more water, since hydration helps with digestion while keeping stools soft to prevent straining.
• Move more, as staying physically active can also support healthy digestion.
• Sit less, paying special attention to the time you spend sitting on the toilet.
• Consider a stool softener if lifestyle measures alone are not preventing constipation.

When to See a Doctor

As we’ve learned more about this class of medication, phrases like ‘Ozempic face’ have become part of our vocabulary. Sometimes, the drugs work so quickly that your body can’t quite keep up with all the changes that result from your rapid weight loss, and side effects develop.

So, if changes in your digestion due to GLP-1 medications have led to internal hemorrhoids, you don’t have to live with symptoms such as pain, itching or bleeding. Instead, you can reach out to the team at Georgia Endovascular to request a consultation at one of our three locations in the greater Atlanta region.

When you come into one of our offices, we can discuss your eligibility for HAE (hemorrhoid artery embolization), a minimally-invasive treatment option for Grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids. As an alternative to surgery, this treatment option relieves symptoms without the need for major incisions, general anesthesia or overnight hospital stays. For those who are eligible, it also offers a reduced risk for side effects and a shorter period of recovery.