Individuals should be assessed for risk of sarcopenia and osteopenia, seen in individuals who are older, sedentary, chronically ill, malnourished, or with type 2 diabetes
But hair follicles have insulin receptors and respond to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
Starting with a lower dose and gradually titrating upward can help minimize nausea and enhance tolerability
Per one nationally representative survey of about 2,000 adults conducted by researchers at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University Bloomington, which studies relationships and sexuality, found that about 16% of respondents felt their libido dropped and about 12% reported worse sexual function
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and tend to improve after the first few weeks: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (most common, especially early on) Constipation or stomach discomfort Reduced appetite Less common but serious side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and low blood sugar particularly in patients taking diabetes medications