Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown benefits beyond blood sugar control and weight loss, including for cardiovascular and kidney health.Some women, particularly those with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS, have reported conceiving after taking these medications.Although GLP-1 drugs can support weight loss and improve metabolic health, evidence that they directly improve fertility remains limited.Woman Says GLP-1 Drug Helped Her Conceive For 30-year-old Ashlee Amborn, pregnancy was challenging. According to ABC News, she had PMOS, one functioning fallopian tube and half a uterus, which complicated her chances of conceiving naturally. After years of fertility treatments, she conceived her first two children. Four months after her second child's birth, she became pregnant again. Amborn said a GLP-1 drug prescribed to manage her PMOS symptoms, including inflammation and hormonal imbalances, helped her conceive. She became pregnant after taking the medication for a month. "It was kind of these mixed emotions of, 'Holy cow, I'm pregnant,'" Amborn said. "I did this on my own without fertility treatment. All it took was a GLP-1." What Does Research Say? A recent review published in the Journal of the Brazilian Reproduction Association (JBRA) Assisted Reproduction suggests a possible association between GLP-1 use and improved fertility outcomes in women with obesity and PMOS, particularly those also taking metformin, a medication used to manage blood sugar. Weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity may support ovulation and reduce ovarian dysfunction. However, more research is needed to establish whether these medications improve pregnancy or live-birth rates. Can GLP-1 Drugs Affect Ovulation? Dr. Jacinta Anyaoku, a physician at Maven Clinic specializing in obesity and women's health in midlife, told ABC News that research has not established a direct link between GLP-1 use and ovulation rates, although she has observed potential benefits among her patients. "When you lose weight, your inflammation goes down," Anyaoku said. "It actually can help with improving your rate of ovulation. Your egg quality could potentially improve if you have reduced inflammation, and so these are all potential effects that come with GLP-1 use." Sharrón L. Manuel, a board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinology specialist at HRC Fertility, attributes the reported "Ozempic Baby Boom" largely to weight loss and improved metabolic health, which may help restore ovulation. Excess body weight can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, contribute to insulin resistance and affect egg and uterine lining quality. Manuel also points to preliminary research suggesting GLP-1 drugs may influence reproductive function through hormonal regulation, reduced inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity. However, preclinical findings involving ovarian function and endometrial receptivity require further investigation in humans. Can GLP-1 Drugs Be Used During Pregnancy? GLP-1 drugs should not be used during pregnancy. Women planning to conceive should consult their healthcare professional about stopping treatment. For semaglutide, prescribing guidance recommends discontinuation at least two months before a planned pregnancy. Women should also seek medical advice about using these medications while breastfeeding. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against weight-loss medications during pregnancy. Women considering GLP-1 treatment should discuss the risks, benefits and timing with their healthcare professional, particularly if they plan to conceive. What About Birth Control? Tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, can affect oral contraceptive absorption. Its prescribing information recommends switching to a non-oral contraceptive method or adding a barrier method for four weeks after starting treatment and for four weeks after each dose increase.