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Symptom Tracking

GLP-1 medications can cause side effects, especially when starting or increasing doses. GLPea helps you track symptoms so you can identify patterns and share information with your healthcare provider.

Why Track Symptoms?

Identify Patterns

  • Do symptoms occur on certain days of your dose cycle?
  • Are side effects worse after dose increases?
  • Do certain foods or activities affect how you feel?

Communicate with Your Doctor

A symptom log provides:

  • Objective record (not just memory)
  • Severity trends over time
  • Correlation with dose changes

Make Informed Decisions

Understanding your side effects helps you:

  • Decide if a dose increase is manageable
  • Know what to expect
  • Recognize when symptoms improve

Common GLP-1 Symptoms

GLPea tracks symptoms commonly associated with GLP-1 medications:

Gastrointestinal

SymptomDescription
NauseaFeeling sick to your stomach
VomitingActually being sick
DiarrheaLoose or frequent bowel movements
ConstipationDifficulty with bowel movements
BloatingFeeling full or swollen
HeartburnBurning sensation in chest/throat

General

SymptomDescription
FatigueFeeling unusually tired
HeadacheHead pain
DizzinessLightheadedness
Appetite lossLess interest in food (often desired)

Injection Site

SymptomDescription
RednessSkin irritation at injection site
ItchingItchy feeling at injection site
SwellingRaised area at injection site
PainTenderness at injection site

Logging Symptoms

Daily Check-In

  1. Tap Check-In on the dashboard
  2. Select symptoms you're experiencing
  3. Rate severity (mild, moderate, severe)
  4. Add notes if helpful
  5. Save

Quick Symptom Log

If you just want to record one symptom:

  1. Go to HistoryAdd Entry
  2. Select Symptom
  3. Choose the symptom
  4. Rate and save

When to Log

  • Regularly: Do a daily or every-other-day check-in
  • When symptoms occur: Log notable symptoms as they happen
  • After dose days: Pay attention to the 1-2 days after injecting

Rating Severity

Use consistent ratings for meaningful tracking:

RatingMeaning
MildNoticeable but doesn't affect daily activities
ModerateUncomfortable, affects some activities
SevereSignificantly impacts daily life

Viewing Symptom History

History Tab

  1. Go to History
  2. Filter by Symptoms
  3. See all logged symptoms chronologically

Progress Tab

  1. Go to Progress
  2. View symptom trends
  3. See which symptoms are most common
  4. Notice if severity is improving

Symptom Patterns

Dose Cycle Patterns

Many people notice symptoms follow a pattern within each dose cycle:

  • Days 1-2 after injection: Symptoms often peak
  • Days 3-5: Symptoms typically improve
  • Days 6-7: Usually feel normal

GLPea can show you if your symptoms follow this pattern.

Dose Increase Patterns

When your dose increases:

  • Expect symptoms may temporarily worsen
  • They usually improve over 2-4 weeks
  • Track to see your personal adjustment period

Tips for Managing Symptoms

Nausea

  • Eat smaller meals
  • Avoid fatty or greasy foods
  • Eat slowly
  • Stay hydrated
  • Ginger may help (tea, candies)

Fatigue

  • Ensure adequate sleep
  • Stay hydrated
  • Light exercise may help
  • Usually improves with time

Injection Site Reactions

  • Rotate sites properly
  • Let alcohol dry before injecting
  • Don't rub the site after
  • Apply cool compress if needed

When to Contact Your Doctor

Log these symptoms AND contact your healthcare provider:

Seek Medical Attention

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Signs of pancreatitis
  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Symptoms that significantly impact your life

Sharing Symptom Data

Provider Report

  1. SettingsProvider Report
  2. Generate a summary including symptoms
  3. Share before your appointment

Export Details

  1. SettingsExport Health Data
  2. Include symptom data
  3. Export as PDF or CSV

Learn about data export →

Troubleshooting

Symptom Not Listed

Use the Notes field to describe symptoms not in the preset list. You can write anything you're experiencing.

Want to Delete a Symptom Log

  1. Go to History
  2. Find the symptom entry
  3. Tap to open
  4. Select Delete

Not Sure What to Track

Start with the most bothersome symptoms. You don't need to track everything—focus on what matters most to you and your treatment.

Track your GLP-1 journey with confidence