1. Can supporting GLP-1 naturally improve fertility without medication?

Possibly, for people whose fertility challenges are rooted in insulin resistance, obesity, or PCOS. The same dietary strategies that stimulate endogenous GLP-1 — fermentable fiber, protein-forward meals, reduced refined carbohydrates — also improve insulin sensitivity, lower excess androgens, and support the hormonal conditions needed for ovulation. In women with PCOS specifically, this metabolic correction is well-documented as meaningful for restoring ovulatory function. These are supportive strategies, not fertility treatments, and results depend heavily on the underlying cause of any fertility difficulty. Anyone experiencing fertility challenges should be evaluated by a reproductive specialist, not start a supplement protocol independently.

2. Who should talk to a doctor before changing their diet or supplements for fertility?

Everyone, but particularly women with PCOS, irregular cycles, or a history of anovulation; anyone currently taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication; anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding; and men with known or suspected fertility challenges. These are clinical situations where dietary changes interact with medication effects, hormonal dynamics, or active treatment protocols in ways that are not always predictable. A reproductive endocrinologist or OB-GYN can assess whether the metabolic pathways relevant to fertility are actually part of the picture before recommending a specific approach.

3. If I'm on Ozempic or another GLP-1 medication, am I more likely to get pregnant?

Potentially yes — and this has caught many people off guard. GLP-1 receptor agonists can restore ovulation in women whose cycles were suppressed by insulin resistance or excess weight, and emerging data suggests they may improve male fertility parameters as well. Clinicians have documented an increase in unintended pregnancies among people taking these medications, partly because oral contraceptives may also be less effective while on GLP-1 drugs. If you are taking a GLP-1 medication and are not trying to get pregnant, reliable non-oral contraception is strongly recommended. If you are trying to get pregnant, these medications are not recommended during active attempts to conceive or during pregnancy itself.

5. How long does it take for metabolic improvements to affect fertility?

Clinical trials measuring menstrual regularity and ovulation in women with PCOS generally report meaningful changes within 12–16 weeks of consistent dietary intervention or GLP-1 medication use. For men, improvements in sperm parameters have been documented on similar timelines. These timelines reflect the biological lag involved in hormonal normalization — the body needs sustained metabolic improvement, not a short-term change, before the reproductive system responds. HbA1c and fasting insulin — the markers most directly tied to ovulatory function — typically take 8–12 weeks to shift meaningfully.

6. Does this research apply to everyone trying to conceive, or only specific groups?

The fertility-relevant research on GLP-1 is most directly applicable to people whose challenges are metabolically driven — specifically those with PCOS, insulin resistance, obesity, or type 2 diabetes. For people without these underlying conditions, the evidence for GLP-1-focused approaches to fertility is much weaker, because the mechanism (metabolic correction restoring reproductive function) doesn't apply in the same way. If you have unexplained infertility and no metabolic risk factors, the research described in this article is less likely to be relevant to your situation, and a reproductive specialist is the right starting point for evaluation.

THE WELLNEST • Research • GLP-1

GLP-1 and Fertility: What the Research Actually Shows

By Brooke Danielson

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Scientifically Reviewed By

Jennifer Martin-Biggers, PhD, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

What is The Connection Between glp-1 and fertility ?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is an incretin hormone produced in the gut that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and gastric emptying — but research is increasingly revealing that its receptors are also expressed in reproductive tissues, including the ovaries and uterus. This means GLP-1 signaling may have a direct role in ovulation, hormonal balance, and the conditions required for a healthy pregnancy — not just metabolic function. In both men and women, disruptions in insulin sensitivity and metabolic health are among the most underrecognized drivers of reduced fertility, and GLP-1 sits at the intersection of those two systems.

What the research shows

GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to improve menstrual regularity and ovulation rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PMOS), with two RCTs reporting statistically significant improvements in menstrual regularity with liraglutide and exenatide (p<0.001 in both studies)
In men, emerging clinical data suggests GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment may improve fertility parameters — including reproductive hormones and sperm quality — though current evidence is primarily drawn from clinical review and expert commentary rather than large-scale peer-reviewed trials; whether these effects occur independently of weight loss requires further investigation
Obesity is associated with reduced female fertility, and GLP-1-driven weight loss may meaningfully support reproductive outcomes — even modest reductions of 5–10% of body weight are associated with improved ovulation, hormonal normalization, and pregnancy rates in women with obesity or PCOS
GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills by slowing gastric emptying and impairing pill absorption — particularly during titration periods — which has contributed to an increase in unintended pregnancies in people taking these medications

Evidence level: Moderate Evidence

Appropriate for

Women with PMOS, insulin resistance, or obesity-related ovulatory dysfunction who are working with a reproductive endocrinologist or OB-GYN to address metabolic barriers to fertility
Men with obesity or metabolic syndrome who are concerned about how those conditions may be affecting hormone levels and sperm parameters
Adults who are currently taking GLP-1 receptor agonists and want to understand how those medications interact with reproductive health, contraception effectiveness, and family planning

Requires medical consultation:

Anyone currently trying to conceive — GLP-1 receptor agonists are not recommended while actively trying to become pregnant, and a washout period before conception is advised by endocrinologists
Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding — safety data during pregnancy is insufficient, rapid weight loss during pregnancy carries risk to the fetus, and it remains unclear whether GLP-1 medications pass into breast milk ⚠ Anyone using oral contraceptive pills while taking a GLP-1 medication — the combination creates a meaningful risk of contraceptive failure due to impaired pill absorption; a backup or alternative contraceptive method is strongly recommended
Anyone considering IVF or assisted reproductive technology — the interactions between GLP-1 medications and IVF protocols are not yet well characterized, and this warrants a direct conversation with a reproductive specialist before proceeding

Research timeline & expectations

Typical study duration: 12–24 weeks
Observable changes: Improvements in menstrual regularity and ovulation have been reported within 12–16 weeks of GLP-1 receptor agonist use in women with PCOS; metabolic improvements in men (hormone levels, sperm parameters) have been observed on similar timelines
Effect magnitude: Moderate — improvements in ovulation, menstrual regularity, and hormonal balance are clinically meaningful in populations with existing dysfunction (PCOS, insulin resistance, obesity), but GLP-1 medications are not fertility treatments and should not be used with that as the primary goal
Context dependency: Results are most consistent in people whose fertility challenges are directly tied to insulin resistance, excess weight, or androgen excess. Those without these underlying metabolic factors are unlikely to see the same degree of benefit. Foundational habits — regular physical activity, dietary patterns that support insulin sensitivity, adequate sleep, and stress management — all affect the same hormonal pathways and will either amplify or blunt outcomes.

This analysis synthesizes findings from approximately 20 peer-reviewed studies, including 10 randomized controlled trials and 3 systematic reviews/meta-analyses, published in PubMed-indexed journals. Key sources include a 2025 meta-analysis of GLP-1 RAs in PMOS (Lanka et al., Journal of the Endocrine Society) and a 2025 narrative review on GLP-1 and women’s reproductive health (Wolszczak et al., Journal of Education, Health and Sport), along with clinical guidance from the University of Utah Health and Cleveland Clinic. Four active clinical trials investigating GLP-1 effects on fertility outcomes are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07179120, NCT06775093, NCT07242534, NCT05952882). The full citation list reflects the 7 primary sources directly cited in this article; the broader evidence base includes additional studies that informed the synthesis but are not individually listed. DOI-linked references available below.

GLP-1 receptor agonists — including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) — are prescription medications FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity management, not for fertility treatment. Any fertility benefits observed are currently classified as secondary effects, not primary indications. This article covers the science of how endogenous GLP-1 signaling and metabolic health intersect with reproductive function — as well as what research on GLP-1 medications tells us about those pathways. It does not constitute a recommendation to use GLP-1 medications for fertility purposes. If you are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or breastfeeding, GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are not recommended, and any decision to use or discontinue them must involve your prescribing physician.

Evidence Summary:

GLP-1’s connection to fertility runs through two distinct pathways: one metabolic, one potentially direct. The better-documented pathway operates through GLP-1’s effects on insulin sensitivity, weight, and androgen regulation — all of which are known to influence ovulation, sperm quality, and the hormonal environment required for reproduction. The more recently investigated pathway involves GLP-1 receptor expression in reproductive tissues themselves, including the ovaries, endometrium, and testes, suggesting that GLP-1 signaling may influence fertility at the cellular level independent of its metabolic effects. The clinical significance of this direct pathway is still being established.

Biological Mechanism

GLP-1’s influence on fertility follows a cascade that begins in the gut and moves through metabolic correction — reducing insulin resistance and androgen excess — before reaching the reproductive system, where GLP-1 receptors in ovarian and uterine tissue may also respond to GLP-1 signaling directly.

Step 1: Metabolic Disruption Impairs Reproductive Function When insulin levels are chronically elevated — as they are in insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes — the ovaries respond by producing excess androgens like testosterone. This hormonal shift suppresses ovulation, disrupts menstrual cycles, and is a primary driver of PCOS. In men, elevated insulin and excess body fat suppress the hormones responsible for sperm production, reducing both sperm count and quality. The reproductive system, in other words, is highly sensitive to metabolic dysfunction — and GLP-1 is one of the key regulators of that metabolic environment.

Step 2: GLP-1 Corrects the Metabolic Environment By activating AMPK and improving insulin receptor sensitivity, GLP-1 lowers circulating insulin levels. As insulin normalizes, androgen production from the ovaries decreases, allowing the reproductive hormone axis to resume more typical cycling. In women with PCOS specifically, this correction is associated with the return of ovulation and more regular menstrual cycles. In men, metabolic normalization — and potentially direct effects of GLP-1 on testicular tissue — may improve hormonal parameters and sperm health, though peer-reviewed evidence specifically isolating these effects from weight loss is still emerging.

Step 3: Direct and Indirect Effects on Reproductive Tissues

Ovaries: GLP-1 receptors have been identified in ovarian tissue, and early research suggests GLP-1 signaling may stimulate follicular development and improve conditions for ovulation independent of weight loss
Endometrium: Improving insulin sensitivity reduces the inflammatory and hormonal disruption that can impair endometrial receptivity — the uterine lining’s ability to support embryo implantation
Testes: GLP-1 receptor expression has been documented in testicular tissue, and some clinical data suggests improvements in sperm parameters in men using GLP-1 medications; whether these effects occur independently of weight loss is an active area of investigation

Understanding both pathways — metabolic correction and potential direct receptor effects — explains why GLP-1 influences fertility across multiple reproductive contexts, and why the research is generating so much interest from reproductive medicine specialists.

Primary Functions (relevant to fertility):

Improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hyperinsulinemia, which in turn lowers excess androgen production in the ovaries — a key driver of ovulatory dysfunction in PCOS

Supporting weight reduction in people with obesity, which directly improves fertility in both men and women by restoring hormonal balance disrupted by excess adipose tissue

Potentially modulating testosterone and other reproductive hormones in men, with some clinical commentary documenting improvements in sperm parameters — though peer-reviewed trial data specifically isolating these effects from weight loss remains limited

Potentially stimulating ovarian function and improving endometrial receptivity through direct GLP-1 receptor activation in reproductive tissues — though this pathway requires further research before clinical conclusions can be drawn

1. Weight-Supportive Nutrition & Metabolic Diet Patterns

Evidence grade: High Evidence

Mechanism: Dietary patterns that reduce insulin resistance — high in fermentable fiber, adequate protein, low in refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods — lower circulating insulin levels through the same pathway GLP-1 medications operate. This reduces excess androgen production in the ovaries and creates a hormonal environment more conducive to ovulation and healthy reproductive function. Even modest weight loss of 5–10% of body weight in women with obesity or PMOS has been shown to meaningfully restore ovulatory function.

Clinical findings: Multiple studies in women with PCOS have shown that dietary interventions producing 5–10% weight reduction improve menstrual regularity, lower androgen levels, and increase natural pregnancy rates. The effect is consistent across different dietary approaches as long as they produce meaningful reductions in insulin resistance — no single "fertility diet" has been identified as superior.

Practical application: Focus on dietary patterns that stabilize blood sugar: prioritize non-starchy vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and quality protein at each meal. Reducing added sugars and ultra-processed carbohydrates will have the most direct effect on insulin levels. Fiber from oats, legumes, and vegetables supports GLP-1 production naturally. This is a sustainable, long-term approach — not a short-term protocol.

2. Fermentable Fiber & Prebiotic Foods (Endogenous GLP-1 Support)

Evidence grade: Moderate Evidence

Mechanism: Prebiotic fibers — inulin, beta-glucan, resistant starch — are fermented by gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids that bind to receptors on L-cells in the intestinal lining, triggering endogenous GLP-1 release. Higher endogenous GLP-1 supports better insulin regulation, which in turn improves the hormonal conditions for ovulation. This pathway supports the body's own GLP-1 production rather than supplementing or replacing it.

Clinical findings: Research shows consistent associations between higher fermentable fiber intake (10–20g/day) and improved insulin sensitivity in women with PMOS. While direct trials measuring fertility outcomes from fiber supplementation alone are limited, the mechanistic and metabolic evidence is well-established. Effect sizes on insulin and androgen markers are modest but clinically relevant over 8–12 weeks.

Practical application: Include fiber-rich foods at every meal: oats, lentils, beans, chicory, garlic, onion, asparagus, and underripe bananas. Target 25–38g of total fiber per day from whole food sources. If adding a fiber supplement, start at 5g/day and increase gradually. Always pair with increased water intake to avoid GI discomfort.

3. Inositol (Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro-Inositol) — Insulin-Sensitizing Support for PMOS

Evidence grade: Moderate Evidence

Mechanism: Inositol is a naturally occurring compound that acts as a secondary messenger in insulin signaling. In PMOS, insulin resistance is often associated with impaired inositol metabolism. Supplementation with myo-inositol — the most studied form — has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgen levels through a pathway that partially overlaps with GLP-1's metabolic mechanism, making it a complementary dietary supplement strategy for this population.

Clinical findings: Several small-to-medium RCTs in women with PMOS have shown that myo-inositol supplementation (typically 2–4g/day) improves menstrual regularity, lowers fasting insulin and testosterone, and increases ovulation rates. While it is not a GLP-1-specific intervention, it operates on the same metabolic drivers and is frequently studied alongside dietary and lifestyle approaches in PMOS fertility research. Evidence is more robust for insulin-resistant PMOS than for other fertility presentations.

Practical application: Myo-inositol is available as a dietary supplement and is generally well tolerated. Typical studied doses range from 2–4g per day, often taken with D-chiro-inositol in a 40:1 ratio. As with any supplement for fertility support, this should be discussed with a reproductive endocrinologist or OB-GYN who can assess whether it is appropriate given your specific hormonal profile.

4. Berberine (AMPK Activation & Insulin Sensitivity)

Evidence grade: Emerging Evidence

Mechanism: Berberine activates AMPK — the same cellular energy-sensing pathway through which GLP-1 improves insulin sensitivity — and has been studied in women with PCOS for its effects on androgen levels and metabolic markers. While this mechanistic overlap is notable, it is important to clarify that berberine has not been directly studied as a GLP-1 modulator for fertility outcomes. Any fertility-relevant effects are inferred from its shared metabolic pathway with GLP-1 and its independent PMOS research, not from direct evidence of GLP-1-mediated fertility benefit.

Clinical findings: Studies in women with PCOS have shown berberine may improve insulin sensitivity, reduce testosterone levels, and support more regular menstrual cycles — effects that parallel those seen with GLP-1 receptor agonists in the same population. However, the connection between berberine and fertility via GLP-1 specifically remains an inferred association rather than a directly demonstrated one.

Practical application: Berberine should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use, particularly for anyone on blood-sugar-lowering medications, as additive effects on glucose are possible.

Safety & Considerations

General Guidelines

General Safety Guidelines: Fertility and reproductive health are highly individual — the same hormonal or metabolic condition presents differently across people, and what supports fertility in one person may be neutral or counterproductive in another. Any dietary, supplement, or lifestyle strategy for fertility support should be discussed with a healthcare provider who knows your full clinical picture before you begin.

If you are taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication for diabetes or weight management and are of reproductive age, use reliable contraception — specifically non-oral methods like IUDs, implants, or vaginal rings, which are not affected by GLP-1’s impact on gastric absorption. Oral contraceptive pills may become less effective while on these medications, particularly during dose increases.

If you are planning to become pregnant and currently taking a GLP-1 medication, most endocrinologists recommend discontinuing the medication and allowing a washout period before attempting conception. Short-acting forms that are taken daily clear more quickly than once-weekly injectables, which is relevant for family planning timelines.

Populations Requiring Medical Consultation:

⚠ Women with PMOS: GLP-1-driven improvements in insulin sensitivity and ovulation can increase pregnancy chances in women with PCOS who previously experienced infertility. If pregnancy is not the goal, contraceptive planning must be part of any conversation about GLP-1 use. If pregnancy is the goal, a reproductive endocrinologist should be involved in the plan.

⚠ Anyone currently pregnant or breastfeeding: GLP-1 receptor agonists are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. Animal studies have raised concerns about developmental effects, rapid weight loss during pregnancy carries fetal risk, and it is not yet established whether these medications pass into breast milk. Discontinuation under medical guidance is recommended.

⚠ Anyone undergoing fertility treatment or IVF: How GLP-1 medications interact with ovarian stimulation protocols used in IVF is not well-studied. Anyone actively pursuing assisted reproduction should discuss whether to continue, pause, or discontinue GLP-1 medications with both their prescribing physician and their reproductive specialist.

⚠ Men with unexplained fertility challenges: While emerging data suggests GLP-1 medications may improve sperm parameters and hormone levels in men with obesity or metabolic dysfunction, this is not an established indication. Men experiencing fertility challenges should seek evaluation from a urologist or reproductive specialist rather than self-managing with supplements or dietary changes alone.

Medication Interactions

The most relevant drug interaction in the fertility context involves oral contraceptive pills. GLP-1 receptor agonists slow gastric emptying, which can impair the absorption of oral medications — including hormonal birth control. This is most pronounced during titration periods when GLP-1 doses are being increased.

Anyone on both a GLP-1 medication and an oral contraceptive should discuss switching to a non-oral contraceptive method with their prescribing physician. For dietary supplements like myo-inositol, there are no well-documented interactions with most medications, but interactions with insulin or blood-sugar-lowering medications are theoretically possible and should be disclosed to your healthcare provider.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medications and have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for fertility treatment. Dietary and supplement strategies described herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or reproductive condition. Individual results vary significantly. This content should not be used as a substitute for guidance from a qualified reproductive endocrinologist, OB-GYN, or other licensed healthcare provider. Anyone who is pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should consult their physician before making any changes to medications, supplements, or diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can supporting GLP-1 naturally improve fertility without medication?: Possibly, for people whose fertility challenges are rooted in insulin resistance, obesity, or PCOS. The same dietary strategies that stimulate endogenous GLP-1 — fermentable fiber, protein-forward meals, reduced refined carbohydrates — also improve insulin sensitivity, lower excess androgens, and support the hormonal conditions needed for ovulation. In women with PCOS specifically, this metabolic correction is well-documented as meaningful for restoring ovulatory function. These are supportive strategies, not fertility treatments, and results depend heavily on the underlying cause of any fertility difficulty. Anyone experiencing fertility challenges should be evaluated by a reproductive specialist, not start a supplement protocol independently.
2. Who should talk to a doctor before changing their diet or supplements for fertility?: Everyone, but particularly women with PCOS, irregular cycles, or a history of anovulation; anyone currently taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication; anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding; and men with known or suspected fertility challenges. These are clinical situations where dietary changes interact with medication effects, hormonal dynamics, or active treatment protocols in ways that are not always predictable. A reproductive endocrinologist or OB-GYN can assess whether the metabolic pathways relevant to fertility are actually part of the picture before recommending a specific approach.
3. If I'm on Ozempic or another GLP-1 medication, am I more likely to get pregnant?: Potentially yes — and this has caught many people off guard. GLP-1 receptor agonists can restore ovulation in women whose cycles were suppressed by insulin resistance or excess weight, and emerging data suggests they may improve male fertility parameters as well. Clinicians have documented an increase in unintended pregnancies among people taking these medications, partly because oral contraceptives may also be less effective while on GLP-1 drugs. If you are taking a GLP-1 medication and are not trying to get pregnant, reliable non-oral contraception is strongly recommended. If you are trying to get pregnant, these medications are not recommended during active attempts to conceive or during pregnancy itself.
4. Does GLP-1 affect male fertility too?: Emerging research suggests it may. GLP-1 receptor expression has been documented in testicular tissue, and some clinical data indicates that GLP-1 medications may improve reproductive hormone levels and sperm parameters in men with obesity or metabolic dysfunction. Whether these effects occur independently of weight loss — or are present in metabolically healthy men — remains an active area of investigation not yet fully resolved in peer-reviewed literature. Men with fertility concerns should seek evaluation from a urologist or reproductive specialist rather than drawing conclusions from this early-stage evidence alone.
5. How long does it take for metabolic improvements to affect fertility?: Clinical trials measuring menstrual regularity and ovulation in women with PCOS generally report meaningful changes within 12–16 weeks of consistent dietary intervention or GLP-1 medication use. For men, improvements in sperm parameters have been documented on similar timelines. These timelines reflect the biological lag involved in hormonal normalization — the body needs sustained metabolic improvement, not a short-term change, before the reproductive system responds. HbA1c and fasting insulin — the markers most directly tied to ovulatory function — typically take 8–12 weeks to shift meaningfully.
6. Does this research apply to everyone trying to conceive, or only specific groups?: The fertility-relevant research on GLP-1 is most directly applicable to people whose challenges are metabolically driven — specifically those with PCOS, insulin resistance, obesity, or type 2 diabetes. For people without these underlying conditions, the evidence for GLP-1-focused approaches to fertility is much weaker, because the mechanism (metabolic correction restoring reproductive function) doesn’t apply in the same way. If you have unexplained infertility and no metabolic risk factors, the research described in this article is less likely to be relevant to your situation, and a reproductive specialist is the right starting point for evaluation.

What We're Still Learning: Current Research Gaps

Safety of GLP-1 medications during the first trimester

A single early study of 168 pregnant women suggested no increased risk of major birth defects with first-trimester GLP-1 exposure, but the sample is far too small to draw conclusions. Larger prospective studies are urgently needed given the number of people becoming pregnant while on these medications. Until that data exists, clinical guidance appropriately recommends discontinuation before conception.

Direct vs. indirect fertility effects

Most of the fertility benefits documented in clinical trials can be explained by weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. Whether GLP-1 receptor activation in reproductive tissues (ovaries, endometrium, testes) produces meaningful fertility effects independent of metabolic improvement is an active area of investigation — including in four trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07179120, NCT06775093, NCT07242534, NCT05952882).

Effects in metabolically healthy populations

Nearly all fertility-relevant GLP-1 research involves people with PCOS, obesity, or insulin resistance. We have almost no data on whether GLP-1 optimization strategies affect fertility in people who are metabolically healthy but experiencing unexplained infertility.

GLP-1 and IVF outcomes

How GLP-1 medications interact with ovarian stimulation protocols, egg quality, and IVF success rates is not yet well studied. This is a significant gap given that many people pursuing IVF also have underlying metabolic conditions that GLP-1 medications are prescribed for.

Male fertility

Independent effects: While GLP-1 receptor expression in testicular tissue has been documented and clinical observations suggest possible improvements in sperm parameters, it has not yet been established in peer-reviewed trials whether these effects occur independently of weight loss or are present in men who are metabolically healthy.

Long-term reproductive outcomes after GLP-1 medication washout

Most people who become pregnant after GLP-1 use stop the medication upon discovering pregnancy. We don’t yet have robust data on long-term reproductive health outcomes — including miscarriage rates, pregnancy complications, and child health — in people who used GLP-1 medications prior to conception.

Primary Source Evidence

Briefly describe the evidence base for this article — number of studies, study types, and where they are indexed.

📚 View Full Citation List (9 studies)

Effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on anthropometric, metabolic and fertility parameters in polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2025). Lanka N, Palakodeti S, Oluwasolabomi O, Nalam R, Rangari G. Journal of the Endocrine Society. doi:10.1210/jendso/bvaf149.1915
The impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on women's reproductive health: A review (2025). Wolszczak M, Wołodkiewicz H, Szmit J. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. doi:10.12775/jehs.2025.82.60194
Berberine, a herbal metabolite in the metabolic syndrome: The risk factors, course, and consequences of the disease (2022). Och A, Och M, Nowak R, Podgórska D, Podgórski R. Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules27041351
'Ozempic babies': How GLP-1 agonists affect fertility [NOTE: consumer-health article — not peer-reviewed; background reference only] (2025). McIntosh D. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Full text
Can Ozempic affect fertility? A guide to GLP-1 medications and pregnancy [NOTE: clinical commentary — not peer-reviewed; sole source for male fertility independent-of-weight-loss claim; scoped as emerging/unresolved in article text] (2026). Couldwell M. University of Utah Health. Full text
Study NCT07179120: GLP-1 and fertility outcomes [active clinical trial — no results published]. ClinicalTrials.gov. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Full text
Study NCT06775093: GLP-1 receptor agonists and reproductive parameters [active clinical trial — no results published]. ClinicalTrials.gov. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Full text
Study NCT07242534: GLP-1 and fertility outcomes [active clinical trial — no results published]. ClinicalTrials.gov. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Full text
Study NCT05952882: GLP-1 receptor agonists and reproductive parameters [active clinical trial — no results published]. ClinicalTrials.gov. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Full text

Brooke Danielson

Brooke Ely Danielson is the Director of Editorial and Content at HUM Nutrition. She is certified in plant-based nutrition through the T. Colin Campbell Center of Nutrition Studies via Cornell University. Danielson is passionately plant-based, an art lover, runner, skier, bookworm, world traveler and a dedicated Achilles International guide.