You may have recently come across the term “Ozempic babies” and stories of women who became pregnant while taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® or Wegovy®. These reports have sparked understandable curiosity, and sometimes confusion, about whether these medications could influence fertility, either intentionally or by surprise.
As a fertility specialist, I hear this question more often than ever. GLP-1s have quickly moved from the world of diabetes care into mainstream conversations about weight management, metabolic health, and now, reproductive health. It’s no wonder many of my patients are asking: Could these medications help, or harm, my chances of getting pregnant?
Fertility challenges affect millions of individuals and couples, and the path to conception can be emotionally and physically demanding. While treatments like IVF and IUI remain central to fertility care, GLP-1 receptor agonists have entered the discussion as a potential new tool, especially for patients with PCOS, insulin resistance, or weight-related fertility concerns.
Let me break down what GLP-1s are, how they may impact fertility and hormonal balance, what we know about their safety when trying to conceive, and what to consider if you’re exploring them on your journey to conception.
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What are GLP-1s?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is the most widely recognized GLP-1 receptor agonist. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, it has gained popularity for its powerful impact on weight management. For individuals struggling with insulin resistance, PCOS, or metabolic issues, which are conditions often linked with infertility, GLP-1s can be a game-changer in improving metabolic health.
Can GLP-1s affect fertility?
Weight management is a critical part of optimizing fertility. For women with PCOS or an elevated BMI, I often see metabolic regulation improve ovulatory function and overall reproductive health. By enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and supporting weight loss, GLP-1s may indirectly improve fertility outcomes.
What remains less clear are their direct effects on reproductive hormones or sperm quality. Current research is limited, and long-term fertility outcomes are still being studied.
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Are GLP-1s safe when trying to conceive?
This is one of the most common questions I hear in the office. At this time, GLP-1s are not recommended during pregnancy or while actively trying to conceive.
Animal studies suggest possible risks to the fetus, and we lack robust human data. Most fertility specialists, including myself, advise discontinuing GLP-1 therapy at least 1–2 months before trying to conceive.
For patients preparing for pregnancy, I often turn to alternatives such as myo-inositol, berberine, or metformin, along with nutrition and lifestyle interventions, which can support insulin sensitivity without the same safety concerns.
One important point: the recommendation to avoid these medications while trying to conceive is offered out of an abundance of caution. Many previously anovulatory women will ovulate to their own surprise and conceive while taking a GLP-1. We don’t want you to worry if this happens. Most likely your baby and pregnancy will be totally fine. Just discontinue the medication as soon as possible.
GLP-1s and PCOS: A special intersection
PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility, affecting 6–8% of women of reproductive age. It’s characterized by irregular periods, elevated androgen levels (leading to acne or excess hair growth), and often insulin resistance.
Lifestyle changes and weight management can dramatically improve outcomes for women with PCOS, and here’s where GLP-1s shine. Early studies show they can be highly effective for weight loss in this group, leading to improved cycle regularity and ovulation.
The challenge: because GLP-1s are not considered safe during pregnancy, timing becomes critical. For some patients, we use GLP-1s to help regulate weight and metabolism in the months before they begin trying to conceive, then transition to other therapies like, ovulation-induction medications (letrozole or clomiphene), once they discontinue.
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Alternatives when GLP-1s are not an option
For those unable to use GLP-1s, there are still many effective tools:
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Nutrition and exercise: A tailored nutrition plan and strength-based exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and hormone balance.
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Supplements: Inositol, chromium, and omega-3s can support metabolic and reproductive health.
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Medications: Metformin remains a well-established option, particularly in women with insulin resistance or pre-diabetes.
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Ovulation induction: For women with PCOS who still struggle to ovulate, medications like letrozole have been shown to improve pregnancy rates compared with older drugs like clomiphene (with clomiphene still a very effective second line).
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Final thoughts from a fertility specialist
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are powerful tools for metabolic health and may indirectly benefit fertility, especially for women with PCOS or insulin resistance. But they are not tested for safety during pregnancy or while actively trying to conceive, which means timing and medical supervision are key.
If you’re considering GLP-1 therapy as part of your fertility journey, speak with your doctor about your goals and timeline. For many patients, a combination of lifestyle, supplements, and traditional fertility treatments provides a safe, effective path toward conception.
A note from WeNatal on supporting fertility, metabolic and hormone health
Dr. Ellen H. Goldstein’s insights shed important light on the growing conversation around GLP-1 medications, fertility, and reproductive health. While these therapies can be powerful tools for managing insulin resistance and supporting weight loss, Dr. Goldstein reminds us that safety, timing, and individualized care are key, especially when you’re planning to conceive.
Optimizing metabolic health, nutrient status, and inflammation naturally remains foundational to improving fertility outcomes, whether or not GLP-1s are part of your care plan. That’s where WeNatal comes in. Our evidence-based prenatal and foundational supplements are designed to fill critical nutrient gaps, support hormone health, and promote a healthy environment for conception and pregnancy.
As research on GLP-1s continues to evolve, focusing on whole-body wellness—through nutrient repletion, stable blood sugar, and reduced inflammation—remains one of the most effective ways to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
At WeNatal, we’re proud to collaborate with trusted fertility experts like Dr. Goldstein to help individuals and couples make informed, science-backed decisions on their path to parenthood.
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