DO GLP-1’S HELP WITH CONCEPTION?

If you are struggling to conceive, you’ve likely heard that GLP-1’s have been helping people get pregnant, and you may be considering them on your own fertility journey. In this post, we are going to explain why GLP-1’s can improve fertility for some, whether they’re right for you, and the things you should consider if you do decide to go on one. 

To give you some background, insulin resistance is the state in which the body no longer responds to insulin. This increases blood sugar levels and can have deleterious effects on egg quality, make periods irregular or absent, impair uterine lining, and increase risk of miscarriage. Insulin resistance is often correlated with weight gain. This is where GLP-1s come in. 

GLP-1s help people lose weight and increase insulin sensitivity. If you suffer from fertility issues that have been solely caused by insulin resistance and you’ve tried diet and lifestyle modifications and have been unsuccessful, then in that case, GLP-1s could very possibly help you conceive. However, if there are additional underlying issues, then GLP-1s may have to be used in tandem with other assisted reproductive technologies. And if you have no weight issues and no insulin resistance, then GLP-1s are likely not going to affect your conception outcomes at all.

If you and your doctor decide that using a GLP-1 may help you improve your chances of conceiving, it is important to note that right now, medical professionals recommend stopping use at least 2 months before getting pregnant. This is especially important to consider if you are using as part of your conception strategy. 

And finally, if you do conceive after using a GLP-1, which would be amazing, medical professionals are currently advising against their use during pregnancy. This means it is extremely important to adopt healthy diet and lifestyle modifications to be able to sustain the insulin sensitivity and weight control you achieved while on your GLP-1.