GLP-1 and Comorbidities: My Personal Wins with This Life-Changing Medication

For years, I felt trapped in a body that refused to cooperate. Insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), chronic pain, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and now the unwelcome arrival of perimenopause—it seemed like my body had become a battleground of health conditions that fed off one another. No matter how many diets I tried or lifestyle changes I made, nothing seemed to break the cycle. And then there was the constant food noise, an endless chatter in my mind that often led to binge eating, undoing any progress I had made.

Photo Source: Chrystal Mahan

When I first heard about GLP-1 receptor agonists, I was skeptical. Could a single medication really help manage so many seemingly unrelated conditions? The answer, as I would soon discover, was a resounding yes. What started as a last-ditch effort to manage my blood sugar and weight quickly turned into a life-altering experience that improved my overall health in ways I never imagined.

Now, I want to share my journey with you—not as a medical expert, but as someone who has lived through the frustration of chronic health struggles and finally found a way forward. If you’ve been battling similar challenges, this might just be the path you’ve been searching for. Let’s dive into how GLP-1 medications have transformed my health, one victory at a time.

Understanding GLP-1 and Its Role in Comorbidities

GLP-1 receptor agonists were initially developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. These medications mimic a natural hormone stimulating insulin production, slowing digestion, and curbing appetite. However, as more people started using them, it became clear that their benefits extended far beyond diabetes management.

For those of us dealing with multiple chronic conditions, the effects of GLP-1 medications can feel nothing short of miraculous. By addressing the root causes of metabolic dysfunction, they help break the cycle of weight gain, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. The interconnected nature of conditions like PCOS, insulin resistance, and chronic pain means that improving one aspect of health can create a ripple effect of positive changes.

Let’s take a closer look at how this medication has changed my life and what it could potentially do for you.

Breaking Free from Insulin Resistance and PCOS

Before starting GLP-1, my insulin resistance made it nearly impossible to lose weight. Even when I carefully managed my diet, my body seemed determined to hold onto every pound. PCOS compounded the problem, leading to irregular cycles, stubborn belly fat, and relentless sugar cravings.

Within weeks of starting my medication, I noticed a shift. The intense cravings that had ruled my life started to fade. My blood sugar stabilized, and for the first time in years, I felt like my metabolism was working with me instead of against me. The scale began to move, not in dramatic, unsustainable drops, but in a steady, manageable way that felt different from any other weight-loss attempt I had tried.

Most importantly, my PCOS symptoms improved. My cycles (what’s left of them) became more regular, my energy levels stabilized (once my body got used to the meds), and the brain fog that had clouded my thoughts started to lift (but, thanks to perimenopause, not gone.) For years, I had believed that I would always struggle with these symptoms, but GLP-1 showed me that balance was possible.

Managing Chronic Pain, Osteoarthritis, and Degenerative Disc Disease

Pain had become a constant companion in my life. Osteoarthritis made every movement feel like a battle, while degenerative disc disease kept me from fully enjoying even the simplest activities. On top of that, inflammation from insulin resistance and excess weight only made things worse.

As the weight started to come off, my joints felt less burdened. But what truly surprised me was the reduction in overall inflammation. I found myself relying less on pain medication, and the stiffness that had once greeted me every morning was noticeably manageable. GLP-1 didn’t just help me lose weight—it helped me regain mobility and improve my quality of life.

Another unexpected benefit was my improved sleep. Chronic pain had often kept me tossing and turning, but as my body became less inflamed, I was able to rest more deeply. Waking up refreshed became a new and welcome experience, and the ripple effects on my mood and energy levels were undeniable.

Navigating Perimenopause with a New Sense of Control

A few years ago, just as I was starting to feel like I had my health under control, perimenopause entered the picture. The hormonal fluctuations brought mood swings, night sweats, and an increased struggle with weight management. I worried that all the progress I had made would slip away.

However, GLP-1 had an unexpected benefit here as well. By keeping my blood sugar stable and reducing insulin resistance it helped me manage perimenopause symptoms with far less frustration than I had anticipated. The food cravings that often accompany hormonal shifts were muted, making it easier to maintain healthy habits. My energy levels remained steadier, and I felt less overwhelmed by the changes happening in my body.

Perimenopause is a challenging phase, but with the help of GLP-1, I felt more in control than I ever thought possible. It allowed me to navigate this transition with confidence instead of fear.

Silencing the Food Noise and Breaking Free from Binge Eating

For as long as I can remember, food noise has been a relentless part of my life. My mind is consumed by thoughts about what I should eat, when I could eat, and how much I had already eaten. This constant mental chatter often triggers binge eating, as I feel powerless against the cravings that seem to control me.

As a young girl, my unhealthy relationship with food started. Food became my addiction. It was my only friend while suffering through the childhood sexual abuse I endured. Food was always there for me. It made me feel better, less alone. I fed every emotion I had. 

GLP-1 gave me something I never thought I would experience: peace. The constant obsession with food began to fade, replaced by a newfound sense of satisfaction after meals. I no longer felt the urgent need to snack, and I could finally listen to my body’s true hunger cues.

The binge monster was silent. 

This change was profound. For the first time, I could enjoy food without feeling like I was fighting against myself. The emotional weight of binge eating lifted, and I gained a sense of freedom that I hadn’t known was possible.

Embracing a Future Filled with Possibilities

Looking back on my journey, I can hardly believe how much has changed. GLP-1 didn’t just help me lose weight—it helped me reclaim my life from the chronic conditions that once defined me. I have more energy, less pain, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.

If you’re struggling with insulin resistance, PCOS, chronic pain, or any of the challenges I’ve faced, I want you to know that there is hope. There is a way forward, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Join Me on This Journey

If my story resonates with you, I invite you to explore more posts on Nevermore Lane, where I share my personal experiences, insights, and wellness tips. And if you’d like to chat over a virtual coffee, let’s connect—I’d love to hear your story, too!

 Like what you read? Drop me a line – let’s chat over virtual coffee. 

~ Chrystal