Ayla Barmmer, a registered dietitian and reproductive health expert, says around 15% of her patients who use GLP-1 drugs have had trouble conceiving. Among them, about 40% have reported issues like irregular menstrual cycles, delayed ovulation, or reduced sperm quality. These effects often appear after rapid weight loss triggered by the medication.
“Women typically notice changes in their cycles first,” Barmmer told The Post, “while men may see a drop in testosterone, lower semen volume, and reduced sperm motility.”
How Weight-Loss Drugs May Harm Fertility
GLP-1 medications work by suppressing appetite, which helps people lose weight. But that same mechanism can also lead to nutrient deficiencies. These include low levels of protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, calcium, and folate.
All of these nutrients are critical for reproductive health. They help with egg and sperm development, hormone production, and embryo growth.
Additionally, significant weight loss or poor eating habits can trigger the brain to conserve energy. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates hormones, may reduce reproductive hormone production. For women, this can lead to menstrual irregularities or luteal-phase defects, where the uterine lining doesn’t properly prepare for pregnancy.
But Some Users See a Boost in Fertility
Interestingly, not all users experience fertility problems. Some women have reported surprise pregnancies after starting GLP-1 drugs — giving rise to the nickname “Ozempic baby.”
Barmmer believes this is due to the medications improving insulin sensitivity and lowering inflammation. These two effects are especially helpful for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility that disrupts ovulation.
“For many with PCOS, GLP-1 drugs can help restore regular ovulation,” Barmmer explained.
GLP-1 receptors have also been found in the uterus, ovaries, and testes. That means these drugs could help reduce inflammation in reproductive tissues and improve both sperm and egg quality.
Planning for Pregnancy While on GLP-1s
For people who want to conceive, going off GLP-1s may not always be necessary. But proper planning is essential.
“The real risk comes from nutrient deficiencies that develop during weight loss,” Barmmer said. “These can be managed with the right diet and supplements.”
Some of her patients stay on the drugs while receiving nutritional support and regular blood tests. Others choose to stop taking GLP-1s about eight to ten weeks before trying to conceive. This gives the body time to return to normal hormonal and reproductive function.
“The worst thing you can do is try to get pregnant while your body is depleted of key nutrients,” she added. “This applies to men too, because male nutrition also plays a big role in fertility and pregnancy outcomes.”
Nutrition Tips for Fertility on GLP-1 Medications
To maintain fertility while using these drugs, Barmmer recommends:
Eating enough protein: Aim for 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of your target body weight daily.
Including healthy fats in every meal.
Keeping calorie intake above 30 kilocalories per kilogram to support hormone production.
Focusing on nutrient-rich foods high in protein, iron, choline, omega‑3s, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants.
Getting lab work done every three months to monitor nutrition status.
She also emphasizes that standard prenatal vitamins aren’t enough for people on GLP-1s. While they can help, they don’t provide enough calories, protein, or healthy fats to support reproductive health.
Additionally, common side effects of GLP-1 drugs — such as nausea, early fullness, or malabsorption — may make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients.
“A high-quality, comprehensive prenatal multivitamin and an omega-3 supplement are absolutely necessary,” Barmmer said.
When to Stop the Drugs Before Trying to Conceive
If pregnancy is your goal, it’s best to stop GLP-1 medications at least eight weeks before trying to conceive. This gives your reproductive system time to adjust. If your menstrual cycle has been irregular or your nutrient levels are low, recovery may take even longer.
Still, Barmmer stresses that you don’t always need to quit your weight-loss medications to start a family. But you do need a plan.
“When GLP‑1 therapy is combined with intentional eating, the right supplements, and regular monitoring,” she said, “patients can move smoothly from weight loss to family planning — with healthy cycles and strong sperm counts.”
In the end, it all comes down to providing your body with what it needs — the right signals, the right nutrients, and the right timing — to support fertility.
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