Jul 31, 2025

GLP-1 & fertility: what science (and stories) are telling us

Curious about Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro and their impact on fertility? This science-backed guide breaks down how GLP-1 medications may affect ovulation, hormonal balance, and pregnancy outcomes—plus what doctors aren’t saying yet.

GLP-1 & fertility: what science (and stories) are telling us

You’ve got questions - understandably. Because up until 5 years ago, names like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro barely registered outside medical circles. Today, they’re making headlines, showing up in celebrity interviews, and sparking heated debate across social media.

But what’s actually inside these medications? And why are some people calling their surprise pregnancies “Ozempic babies”?

Let’s break it down.


What exactly is a GLP-1?

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) - including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro - are a class of medications originally developed to treat Type 2 Diabetes, and are now also widely prescribed for weight loss.

They work by mimicking a hormone naturally produced in the gut called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), but with a longer-lasting effect. This helps the body:

  • Increase insulin secretion

  • Lower blood sugar

  • Slow digestion

  • Suppress appetite

The result: better metabolic control and, for many, weight loss of 15–20% of body weight [Source: New England Journal of Medicine, 2021]. Now, there’s growing interest (and emerging research) around their potential effects on fertility.

 

P.S. They’re not all the same:

Ozempic and Wegovy have semaglutide (a GLP-1 RA) but different uses and doses. Mounjaro has tirzepatide, a drug that acts on two hormones (GLP-1 + GIP) and may have a stronger effect on weight and metabolism.

 

The fertility connection

Here’s where things start to shift from metabolic health to reproductive health.

Over the last few years, patients and clinicians began observing unexpected fertility outcomes on GLP-1 therapy:

  • Improved menstrual regularity

  • Spontaneous ovulation

  • Unplanned pregnancies - leading to the now-viral term “Ozempic babies”

While much of the current data is anecdotal, emerging research is starting to explore this link in greater depth.



How GLP-1s may impact female fertility:

In women - especially those with PCOS or obesity-related infertility - GLP-1 medications may support fertility by first improving metabolic health.

A 2023 meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials found that GLP‑1 RAs significantly improved natural pregnancy rates and menstrual regularity in women with PCOS - while also reducing insulin resistance, testosterone levels, and BMI [Source: BMC Endocrine Disorders, 2023]

When insulin resistance and excess weight are brought under control, hormonal balance often follows. That’s why studies have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists can:

  • Help restore regular menstrual cycles

  • Support ovulation

  • Increase natural conception rates

This is particularly relevant for PCOS, where insulin resistance is often the root cause. By improving how the body uses insulin, GLP-1s may create the conditions needed for the body to resume regular reproductive function.


But that’s not the whole story.

While most fertility benefits of GLP-1s are linked to weight loss and improved metabolic health, some early research suggests these medications may also have direct effects on the reproductive system.

That said, these effects are still being studied. More larger, well-controlled human trials are needed before conclusions can be drawn.


What about men?

While most of the conversation around GLP-1s and fertility focuses on women, early research suggests men may benefit too - especially those with obesity-related hormonal imbalances.

Here’s what some studies have found:

Again, these are early findings, and the true impact on male fertility still needs more research. As in women, most of the benefits likely come from improved metabolic health, not direct effects on reproductive hormones.

 

Safety and pregnancy: critical caveats

GLP-1 receptor agonists are not approved fertility treatments - and they are not recommended during pregnancy.

Here’s what we know so far:

  • Medical guidelines recommend stopping semaglutide at least 2 months before trying to conceive, and tirzepatide at least 1 month prior. This applies whether you’re trying naturally or going through IVF.

  • There are no robust human safety data yet. Pregnant individuals were excluded from clinical trials, and accidental exposures are only just beginning to be recorded in registries.

  • Animal studies have shown increased risks of miscarriage and birth defects with both medications.

  • Stopping GLP-1s suddenly can also lead to rapid weight regain, which may increase risks in early pregnancy - including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other complications.

  • Breastfeeding: GLP-1s are not recommended during lactation either, due to lack of safety data.

  • Hormonal impact caution: GLP-1s may alter estrogen/testosterone levels; while helpful for fertility, this also means they may disrupt normal cycles if misused.

 

A promising start, but NOT a miracle cure

The bottom line? Yes, clinical trials in both women and men are promising. But we’re still in the early days. We need long-term studies, pregnancy outcome registries, and real-world data to fully understand how GLP-1s affect reproductive health - across all genders.

So, is this the next big breakthrough in fertility care?

Maybe. GLP-1s show real potential. But as with most things in hormones and health, it’s rarely just one factor. Sometimes, though, a small shift in metabolic function can create a ripple effect across the entire body - including fertility.

But for now, take it with a grain of salt - and a conversation with your doctor.

 

Updated July 31, 2025