GLP-1 Medications and Fertility: Tests, Timelines and Trying to Conceive

As GLP-1 medications have skyrocketed in popularity over recent years, they have sparked a lot of conversation, and a fair amount of confusion. If you have been scrolling through social media lately, you have probably come across the phrase “Ozempic Babies,” leaving many wondering what these weight loss “jabs” actually do to reproductive health and fertility.

Whether you are taking a GLP-1 medication for diabetes management, weight loss, or metabolic health, and you’re thinking about trying to conceive, here is everything you need to know to navigate your journey safely.

Quick Facts:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists are metabolic therapies, not fertility treatments. While they can indirectly help restore ovulation by improving insulin resistance and promoting weight loss, they are not designed to treat infertility.
• GLP-1 medications are strictly not recommended during pregnancy, while actively trying to conceive, or during breastfeeding. This is due to a precautionary approach, as we currently lack sufficient long-term data on human pregnancy outcomes.
• A strict “wash-out period” is required before attempting to conceive. Depending on the specific drug you are taking, you must stop the medication between 1 to 3 months before a pregnancy to allow it to fully clear your system.
• GLP-1 medications can interact with the oral contraceptive pill, but this is drug-specific rather than a class-wide effect. The clearest interaction is with tirzepatide (Mounjaro), where extra precautions are advised when starting the medication or increasing the dose. This has not been shown for semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), although any GLP-1 that causes vomiting or diarrhoea can affect how well a pill is absorbed.

What Exactly Are GLP-1 Medications?

Some Quick Clarification:

• GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1): This is the naturally occurring peptide which is produced in your gut and released after eating to help stimulate insulin secretion, regulate blood sugar, slow stomach emptying and signal satiety (the feeling of fullness).
• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs): These are synthetic, prescription-only medications which mimic your body’s natural GLP-1. However, they have a much longer half life, meaning they prolong that feeling of fullness and appetite suppression over a longer period of time [1].

Originally developed by pharmaceutical companies to manage type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, their highly effective weight-management properties mean they are now widely used to manage and treat obesity [2]. Obesity is a major global health crisis, with approximately 30% UK adults living with obesity, serving as a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions [3].

Because GLP-1 RAs have been revolutionary for metabolic health, clinicians are also exploring their benefits for managing the metabolic features of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome or PMOS, formerly Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [4]. This is because a lot of the symptoms and indications of PMOS are treated by the effects of GLP-1 RAs as they are highly effective for managing the condition’s metabolic features such as improving insulin sensitivity, suppressing appetite, and promoting weight loss [5]. If you think you might have PMOS, read our blog on How PMOS is Diagnosed for more information.

Note: In the UK, GLP-1 RA medications are licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity management [6].

While GLP-1 RAs are commonly referred to by their brand names such as Ozempic, Mounjaro or even colloquially called “the jabs”, here’s a look at the most common GLP-1 RA medications currently available:

New in 2026: The GLP-1 Pill

Until recently, every GLP-1 licensed for weight loss in the UK was a weekly injection. In June 2026, the MHRA approved an oral semaglutide tablet (the “Wegovy pill”) as the first GLP-1 tablet for weight management in the UK, and the first in Europe [7]. It is currently available on private prescription, with NHS availability still under NICE review.

A quick point of clarification, because the names get confusing: oral semaglutide already existed in the UK as Rybelsus, but Rybelsus is only licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. The new, higher-dose tablet is the one licensed for weight management. Unlike the injection, it has to be taken first thing on an empty stomach after fasting overnight, with only a sip of water, and you then wait around 30 minutes before eating or drinking, otherwise your body won’t absorb it properly.

A second oral option, orforglipron (Foundayo), is expected to follow. It has been approved in the US and is currently under MHRA review, but it is not yet licensed or available in the UK.

Does the pill form change any of the fertility advice? No. The oral tablet contains the same drug as injectable semaglutide, so exactly the same rules apply: it is not recommended in pregnancy, while trying to conceive, or when breastfeeding, and the same wash-out period stands. If anything, the arrival of these tablets is a good prompt to double-check your contraception, the documented interaction with the contraceptive pill is specific to tirzepatide (Mounjaro), not semaglutide, but any GLP-1 that causes vomiting or diarrhoea can affect how well an oral pill is absorbed.

The Truth Behind “Ozempic Babies”

You might have heard of the term “Ozempic Babies” in the press, which refers to women unexpectedly or spontaneously conceiving while taking GLP-1 medications. It is incredibly important to clarify GLP-1 RAs are metabolic therapies, not fertility treatments.

So, why is this happening? There are two primary biological reasons behind it.

1. The Metabolic Domino Effect

Obesity and insulin resistance heavily impact the reproductive system. Excess adipose (fat) tissue produces extra oestrogen and drives insulin resistance, which can prevent regular ovulation from occurring [8]. This can cause irregular cycles, heavy, or absent periods. Because of these irregular cycles, many women might assume they cannot get pregnant and not use contraception.

When someone starts a GLP-1 RA, the resulting weight loss and metabolic improvement have an indirect, positive effect on their reproductive hormones. Suddenly, cycles and ovulation become more regular, and pregnancy can occur spontaneously.

2. Oral Contraceptive Interaction

GLP-1 medications slow down gastric emptying (how fast your stomach empties food), and this can affect how some oral medications are absorbed. Importantly, the evidence here is drug-specific rather than a blanket effect across the whole class.

The clearest interaction is with tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Studies have shown it can reduce the amount of contraceptive hormone your body absorbs, so it is recommended to use a barrier method (such as condoms) or switch to a non-oral method for 4 weeks after starting tirzepatide, and for 4 weeks after each dose increase [9].

For semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), a meaningful reduction in oral contraceptive effectiveness has not been demonstrated. That said, if any GLP-1 medication causes vomiting or diarrhoea, an oral pill may not be fully absorbed, so it is always sensible to use backup contraception if you are unwell.

GLP-1 Medications Are Not Recommended in Pregnancy

While these medications can indirectly boost fertility by improving metabolic health, GLP-1 medications are strictly not recommended during pregnancy, while actively trying to conceive, or during breastfeeding.

Because these medications are relatively new, we do not yet have enough long-term safety data to know their impact on foetal development or future outcomes. The human data available so far have not shown a clear increase in birth defects, but there simply isn’t enough of it to confirm these medications are safe in pregnancy, which is exactly why a precautionary approach is taken [10].

If you are planning a pregnancy, you must observe a strict “wash-out period” to allow the medication to completely leave your system before you start trying to conceive [6].

If pregnancy does occur while taking a GLP-1 RA, you should stop taking the medication immediately, inform your GP or doctor, and transfer to a pregnancy-safe metabolic management where required [10].

How Hertility Can Support Your Journey

Navigating reproductive health while managing metabolic conditions can feel like a balancing act. At Hertility, we specialise in bringing these puzzle pieces together into a streamlined, specialist-led care pathway. If you are currently taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist and want to investigate your reproductive health, our at-home Advanced Hormone and Fertility Test checks up to 10 key hormones, including androgens, thyroid, prolactin and AMH.

Through our Hertility Online Health Assessment (OHA), you can log your exact GLP-1 medication and how long you’ve been taking it. Our expert team will interpret your results with the full context.

We also offer ongoing access to specialised nutritionists and clinical guidance tailored to help you navigate insulin resistance, manage your cycle regularity, and safely plan your transition off GLP-1 medications when you are ready to conceive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a Hertility test while taking a GLP-1 medication?

Yes, you can safely take our at-home Advanced Hormone Test. Just add your specific GLP-1 medication and details to your Online Health Assessment (OHA). Our clinical team reviews these details in full context to ensure your hormone results are interpreted accurately.

Are GLP-1 medications safe if I get pregnant?

No, they are not recommended during pregnancy. However, it is important to understand that this isn’t because they have been proven to cause harm; rather, it is due to a lack of sufficient long-term data on human pregnancy outcomes. Because they are relatively new metabolic therapies, a precautionary “wash-out period” is required to let the drug fully leave your system before you try to conceive. If you discover you have conceived while taking a GLP-1, stop taking it immediately, notify your doctor, and transition to a pregnancy-safe metabolic management plan.

Will my irregular periods return once I stop my GLP-1 medication for the wash-out period?

Potentially, yes. Because GLP-1 medications manage the symptoms of insulin resistance and weight rather than curing the root condition, pausing them can cause metabolic changes to creep back. If your irregular cycles were originally driven by insulin resistance, you might find they become unpredictable again during your wash-out period. Working closely with a reproductive nutritionist during this gap can help you sustain steady glucose levels and support natural ovulation through diet and lifestyle.

Is GLP-1 an effective treatment for PMOS?

Yes, they can be highly effective at managing its core features. In May 2026, The Lancet published a global consensus officially renaming Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better emphasise that it is a full-body hormonal and metabolic disorder, not just a gynaecological issue.

While GLP-1s do not cure PMOS, they target its foundational drivers by improving insulin sensitivity, reversing metabolic weight gain, and suppressing appetite. This metabolic improvement lowers excess male hormones (androgens) and indirectly helps restore regular ovulation and cycle predictable health. To hear our clinical specialists break this down in detail, check out our GLP-1s and PCOS Management: Expert FAQs from our Hertility Webinar.

How do GLP-1 medications affect oral contraceptives?

It depends on which medication you’re taking. The clearest interaction is with tirzepatide (Mounjaro): it can reduce how much contraceptive hormone your body absorbs, so it’s recommended to use a barrier method (like condoms) or switch to a non-oral form of birth control for 4 weeks after starting it and for 4 weeks after every dose increase. For semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), this interaction has not been demonstrated. Whichever medication you’re on, if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea, use backup contraception until you’ve recovered, as an oral pill may not be fully absorbed.

How do I plan a safe pregnancy if I am on a GLP-1?

Because of the strict required wash-out periods, ranging from 1 month for Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) to 2 months for Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), planning ahead is vital. We recommend taking our Advanced Hormone & Fertility Test while you are still on your metabolic therapy or right as you begin your wash-out phase. This allows us to screen your baseline anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and thyroid markers, giving you a clear biological starting point before you begin actively trying to conceive.

Is there a GLP-1 pill now, and does it work the same way for fertility?

Yes, as of June 2026, an oral semaglutide tablet is licensed in the UK for weight management, available privately while NICE reviews it for the NHS. Because it’s the same medication as the injection, the fertility guidance is identical: observe the wash-out period before trying to conceive, and stop immediately if you become pregnant.

References

[1] Liu QK (2024) Mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. Front. Endocrinol. 15:1431292. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1431292

[2] Popoviciu M-S, Păduraru L, Yahya G, Metwally K, Cavalu S. Emerging Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Obesity: A Comprehensive Review of Randomised Controlled Trials. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(13):10449. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241310449

[3] NHS England. (2026). Health Survey for England, 2024. [online] Leeds: NHS England. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2024

[4] Teede HJ et al. (2026). Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. The Lancet. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00717-8/fulltext

[5] Wang X, Qi M, Yang L, et al. GLP-1 receptor agonists synergistic effects of metabolic reprogramming and cardioprotection. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2025;16:1614726. Published 2025 Oct 13. doi:10.3389/fendo.2025.1614726

[6] Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2024) GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know (Accessed: 9 June 2026).

[7] Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2026) ‘First GLP-1 tablet for weight loss approved in the UK,’ GOV.UK, 11 June. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-glp-1-tablet-for-weight-loss-approved-in-the-uk.

[8] Zheng L, Yang L, Guo Z, Yao N, Zhang S, Pu P. Obesity and its impact on female reproductive health: unraveling the connections. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024;14:1326546. Published 2024 Jan 9. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1326546

[9] College of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, GLP-1 agonists and contraception, Patient information leaflet [Accessed 9 June 2026] https://www.cosrh.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/documents/Patient-information-GLP-1-agonists-and-contraception.pdf

[10] Dao K, Shechtman S, Weber-Schoendorfer C, et al. Use of GLP1 receptor agonists in early pregnancy and reproductive safety: a multicentre, observational, prospective cohort study based on the databases of six Teratology Information Services. BMJ Open. 2024;14(4):e083550. Published 2024 Apr 24. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083550