Can Hormone Shots Cause Constipation?: A Guide to Causes, Treatments, and Management

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact bowel function, with studies showing a clear link between hormonal changes and gut motility? For individuals receiving hormone shots, constipation can be a surprisingly common side effect, influencing digestive speed through various hormonal mechanisms.

Quick Summary

Hormone shots can lead to constipation by slowing gut motility, a known side effect of therapies such as IVF, HRT, and GLP-1 agonist medications. This digestive issue is often manageable with specific lifestyle changes and can be a temporary response as the body adjusts to new hormonal levels.

Key Points

Hormonal Influence: Hormones like progesterone and GLP-1 agonists can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation.
Common Culprits: Hormone shots used for IVF, HRT, and GLP-1-based medications are frequently associated with causing or worsening constipation.
Lifestyle Management: Simple adjustments, such as increasing fiber and water intake and exercising regularly, are often the first and most effective steps to relieve symptoms.
Medical Consultation is Key: For persistent or severe constipation, consulting a doctor is vital before using over-the-counter laxatives, especially during sensitive treatments like IVF.
Temporary Discomfort: For many people, constipation caused by hormone shots is a temporary side effect that subsides as the body adjusts to the medication.
Mechanism Varies: The exact cause of hormone-related constipation differs by hormone; progesterone relaxes smooth muscles, while GLP-1s delay gastric emptying.

How Hormones Influence Digestion

Progesterone's Impact on Gut Motility

Progesterone, a hormone crucial for several bodily functions, can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. High levels from injections can slow food transit through the intestines by relaxing digestive system muscles. This relaxed state can lead to harder, drier stools and constipation. Progesterone shots, like those used in fertility treatments, are a notable cause of constipation.

Estrogen's Role in Bowel Function

Estrogen also influences GI function, and changes in its levels can contribute to constipation. Estrogen is thought to affect gut motility and fluid balance in the colon. High estrogen can slow intestinal transit, which is why bowel habits can change during the menstrual cycle or with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The interaction between estrogen and other factors can disrupt the gut's normal rhythm.

GLP-1 Agonists and Slowed Gastric Emptying

GLP-1 agonists such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are known to cause constipation. These medications slow down gastric emptying, the process of food leaving the stomach. This slowing affects overall intestinal movement, causing constipation. Studies show that 6–17% of patients using GLP-1 injections experience constipation.

Testosterone and Its Effects

Constipation is not a common side effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) shots. However, some men might experience bloating or fluid retention. Low testosterone may be linked to digestive issues, including slower gut transit, as testosterone plays a role in GI muscle function. Restoring testosterone levels with TRT might improve digestive health in these cases.

Therapies Associated with Constipation

Several types of hormonal therapies given via injection can potentially cause constipation:

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Injections: High doses of progesterone relax gut muscles, slowing digestion.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Post-menopausal women on HRT, particularly with progesterone, have an increased risk of constipation or IBS symptoms.
GLP-1 Agonist Medications: Used for diabetes and weight loss, these medications cause constipation by delaying gastric emptying.

Managing Constipation Caused by Hormone Shots

Managing constipation while on hormone therapy is possible. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new treatments.

Increase Dietary Fiber: Eat fiber-rich foods, including soluble and insoluble fibers.
Stay Well-Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to soften stool.
Engage in Regular Exercise: Physical activity can stimulate intestinal muscles.
Consider Over-the-Counter Medications: Your doctor may recommend mild options like bulk-forming laxatives or stool softeners.
Establish a Routine: Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge.

Comparison of Hormonal Therapies and Constipation


Therapy	Associated Hormone	Mechanism of Constipation	Common Occurrence
IVF Injections	Progesterone, Estrogen	Relaxation of GI smooth muscles and slowed transit time.	Common during treatment cycles.
GLP-1 Agonists	Tirzepatide, Semaglutide	Significant delay of gastric emptying and reduced intestinal movement.	Up to 17% of users in studies.
HRT (Progesterone)	Progesterone	Increased intestinal transit time, especially in post-menopausal women.	Associated with a higher risk of IBS symptoms.
TRT (Testosterone)	Testosterone	Not a direct side effect. Low T, however, can be linked to digestive issues.	Not a primary cause of constipation.

Conclusion

Constipation is a known side effect of certain hormone shots, particularly those with progesterone and GLP-1 agonists, due to their effect on slowing digestion. This is often temporary and manageable with lifestyle changes like increasing fiber and water intake and exercising. It is crucial to talk to a healthcare provider if you experience constipation, especially during sensitive treatments like IVF, for personalized advice and safe remedies. Understanding the link between hormones and digestive health helps in managing symptoms and improving well-being. For more information, the NIH website offers in-depth details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hormone shots can cause constipation by influencing gut motility. For instance, progesterone can relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, slowing down the movement of food and waste. GLP-1 agonist shots, used for weight loss and diabetes, specifically slow down gastric emptying.

Yes, hormone injections used during In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are a common cause of constipation. This is primarily due to high levels of progesterone, which inhibit the smooth muscle contractions needed for proper bowel movements.

For immediate relief, increasing your water intake and exercising lightly, such as a short walk, can stimulate your bowels. A high-fiber diet is crucial for long-term management, and over-the-counter stool softeners may also be used after consulting your healthcare provider.

In many cases, yes. The constipation caused by hormone injections is often a temporary side effect that decreases or goes away completely as your body adjusts to the medication over a few weeks. If it persists, however, you should speak with a doctor.

No, not all hormone injections cause constipation. For example, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is not officially linked to constipation, though some digestive issues may be associated with low testosterone itself. Therapies involving progesterone or GLP-1 agonists are the most common culprits.

You can, but it is important to first consult your healthcare provider, especially during treatments like IVF. They may recommend mild options like bulk-forming laxatives or stool softeners. Avoid harsh or stimulant-based remedies unless specifically advised by your doctor.

Eating a diet rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber is key. Soluble fiber in foods like oats and lentils helps soften stool, while insoluble fiber in whole grains and vegetables adds bulk, both of which support regular bowel movements.