GLP-1 Agonists in Preconception and Fertility Care

Unplanned pregnancies among users of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) medications are being documented more and more. Fertility experts are thus including these drugs in preconception care guidelines. This change emphasizes how GLP-1 RAs could help with weight loss and enhance reproductive health results.
This blog will go over how GLP-1 RAs are changing preconception care, the advantages and drawbacks of using these drugs, and why doctors should talk with patients of reproductive age about these drugs.

Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 RAs have become somewhat well-known for encouraging weight loss. Particularly in women with disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fertility experts are realizing their ability to treat obesity-related fertility problems.
Dr. Christina Boots, an associate professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Northwestern University, says GLP-1 RAs present a unique chance to enhance metabolic health, which can significantly affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

One well-reselled element influencing pregnancy and fertility is obesity. Obese women can struggle with irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal abnormalities, and a higher pregnancy risk of problems. For these people, a decrease in weight can greatly enhance their reproductive quality.

• Women with PCOS: GLP-1 RAs may boost ovulation and help control menstrual periods.
• Women with Unexplained Infertility: While GLP-1 RAs may not immediately address concerns like tubal obstructions or egg quality, they can improve general metabolic health.
• Individuals Seeking IVF: Many IVF facilities have BMI cutoffs, and GLP-1 RAs can help patients reach these standards.

GLP-1 RAs are being recommended by fertility experts more and more as part of thorough preconception care. A reproductive endocrinologist underlines the need to combine these drugs with mental health care and dietary advice to guarantee long-term success.

• Timing: Semaglutide should be stopped at least two months before conception; tripeptide should be stopped one month before.
• Weight Regain: Rapid weight gain with GLP-1 RAs might cause problems in pregnancy, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
• Metformin as a Bridge: Many experts advise metformin as a bridge to help control weight and glucose levels throughout the change of GLP-1 RAs.

Though early research on GLP-1 RAs and pregnancy outcomes is encouraging, numerous questions remain. For example, more study is needed to determine how these drugs affect birth abnormalities, fetal metabolic health, and long-term child development.

• Birth problems: Though more study is required, early statistics point to no appreciable rise in birth problems.
• Male Fertility: Though the effect on male reproductive health is yet unknown, preliminary studies show some benefits for sperm quality.
• Pregnancy Risks: Rapid weight loss and rebound weight gain might influence ovulation rates, miscarriage risks, and birth weight.

Talking GLP-1 RAs with patients of reproductive age mostly depends on healthcare professionals. Dr. Boots advises addressing patients about their family planning objectives and presenting weight loss as a means of enhancing their future children’s health as well as their own.

Also read: Is weight loss medication safe during pregnancy?

The growing use of GLP-1 RAs calls for more studies to better understand their safety and effectiveness in preconception anf fertility. Both primary care doctors and fertility experts have the chance to use these drugs to enhance outcomes related to reproduction.