Weight loss drugs like Ozempic could mess with your birth control — and get you pregnant
The warning comes as women flood social media with stories of their so-called 'Ozempic babies' — including surprise pregnancies while on the pill.
Trying to shed pounds, not grow a baby bump? Here's what you need to know about GLP-1s, pregnancy and the best contraception options to stay protected.
4 Studies show that at least one in eight US adults have tried GLP-1s.
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What's in your GLP-1?
Several GLP-1 drugs dominate the market, including Ozempic and Wegovy. Both contain semaglutide, an active ingredient that mimics a natural hormone in the body that boosts insulin production, slows digestion and curbs appetite.
Then there's Saxenda and Victoza, powered by liraglutide, which functions in a similar way.
Newer drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound rely on tirzepatide, a key ingredient that targets a second hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control.
A surprise side effect
While gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common with GLP-1s, the surprise side effect making waves is unexpected pregnancy.
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received 28 reports related to pregnancy in patients on tirzepatide, and nine each for semaglutide and liraglutide.
4 Women on tirzepatide-based GLP-1s should use barrier contraception.
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In an alert this week, the agency warned that tirzepatide may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, especially in women with higher body weight. As a result, it recommended using barrier methods like condoms while on drugs like Mounjaro.
So far, there's no evidence that GLP-1s affect non-oral birth control like IUDs, implants, patches, or rings, according to the UK's Faculty of Reproductive Healthcare.
And yes, the advice applies even to women previously told they were infertile. GLP-1s have been shown to boost fertility by aiding weight loss, reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity — leading some to conceive just months after starting treatment.
4 GLP-1 agonists can increase your fertility, but they can also interfere with pregnancy.
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Can you take GLP-1s while pregnant?
Experts say no — at least not yet. There's not enough data to confirm whether GLP-1s are safe during pregnancy.
While a some human studies suggests there is no harm in first-trimester use, testing in animals has shown the drugs could increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
4 Scientists are still working to understand whether GLP-1s can negatively impact a developing fetus.
Evrymmnt – stock.adobe.com
Another reason to skip GLP-1s while pregnant: they suppress your appetite and can trigger gastrointestinal issues, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies that impact fetal development.
The drugs should also be avoided during breastfeeding, since there's not enough research to confirm safety for infants.
Trying to conceive? Here's the timeline
If you're planning to get pregnant, the MHRA recommended stopping GLP-1s before you start trying to conceive and giving your body time to clear the drugs.
For semaglutide users, that means quitting at least two months ahead.
If you're on tirzepatide, stop one month before trying.
Liraglutide clears the system faster, so you can stop right before you start trying to conceive.
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CNBC
9 hours ago
- CNBC
Weight loss drugs could be a gamechanger for women with a common hormonal disorder
For well over a decade, Grace Hamilton, 27, experienced hair loss, heavy periods, infrequent menstrual cycles, mental health issues and difficulty losing weight without knowing why. It wasn't until 2021 when she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. After she saw limited improvements from birth control, diet and exercise, Hamilton joined a trial in 2024 examining a GLP-1 drug in PCOS patients. By October, she received her first weekly dose of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's obesity injection Wegovy and diabetes shot Ozempic. She said some results were almost immediate: after months without a cycle, her period resumed within two weeks of starting the drug. After 10 months on the treatment, Hamilton lost 50 pounds, saw hair regrowth and reported significant improvements in depression and anxiety "I'm so glad that I stuck with it because it was just clear as day that it was the missing link for me," said Hamilton, who works at a nonprofit in Arvada, Colorado, adding that she maintained diet and exercise while on the drug. She is just one of several women who have reported improvements in symptoms of PCOS after using GLP-1s, a growing class of obesity and diabetes treatments that have drawn massive patient demand and investor buzz over the last few years. Treating PCOS is among several new but unapproved potential uses of the blockbuster drugs beyond promoting weight loss and regulating blood sugar. PCOS, which is frequently underdiagnosed, affects an estimated 5 million to 6 million women of reproductive age in the U.S., according to some estimates. The condition is typically characterized by higher levels of testosterone and other hormones usually associated with men called androgens, which can leads to symptoms such as irregular and painful periods, excess hair growth and acne. PCOS is the most common cause of infertility. The condition is strongly linked to metabolic issues, as an estimated 35% to 80% of patients experience insulin resistance. That means the pancreas pumps out more insulin to keep blood sugar in check, and high insulin levels can promote weight gain and disrupt hormone balance. A significant share of women with PCOS have obesity or Type 2 diabetes. Yet there's no standard PCOS treatment. Current options like birth control, lifestyle changes and the diabetes drug Metformin may only help with certain symptoms, which could differ depending on the patient. But some health experts see promise in GLP-1s, particularly given their effect on improving weight loss and insulin sensitivity. "The unmet need is massive," said Dr. Melanie Cree, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Colorado. "Primary therapies used for PCOS symptoms haven't changed in nearly 50 years." Cree has been studying the effect of GLP-1s in adolescents with PCOS for more than 10 years. She previously studied the oral form of semaglutide and has an ongoing clinical trial on the injectable version, which is what Hamilton participated in for 10 months. But her studies are still small in comparison to drugmakers' previous clinical trials on GLP-1s with thousands of patients. Not all of the women who have so far completed Cree's ongoing study lost significant weight, demonstrating that not everyone may respond to GLP-1s. Novo Nordisk and rival Eli Lilly have been studying their GLP-1s as potential treatments for other chronic conditions like fatty liver disease, but not PCOS. Cree said that's because the Food and Drug Administration has not established specific "endpoints" or goals drugs must meet in clinical trials to demonstrate how effective they are for PCOS. In a statement, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson said the company welcomes "independent research investigating the safety, efficacy and clinical utility of our products, including semaglutide." Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Conducting longer and larger trials to better understand the effect of GLP-1s on PCOS symptoms is crucial, said Sasha Ottey, executive director of the advocacy group PCOS Challenge. It is still unclear if GLP-1s can help address or resolve all PCOS symptoms, or whether the effect differs depending on a patient's age or the specific drug, Ottey said. She added that certain patients may not lose weight on GLP-1s, and others may not need to shed pounds. Meanwhile, insurance coverage for GLP-1s is a barrier for some PCOS patients, who are often eligible for approved uses of the drugs. Most plans cover GLP-1s for diabetes, but not for obesity or unapproved uses. The drugs can cost roughly $1,000 per month before insurance. Still, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk offer significant discounts on their drugs to some patients who pay for it out-of-pocket. More research is needed to fully understand why GLP-1s may help some PCOS patients, but Cree said their effect on symptoms appears to be largely indirect. She said a key finding in several previous studies motivated her to start studying GLP-1s: In adults with PCOS, losing as little as 5% of body weight can improve insulin sensitivity. That makes the body respond better to insulin, so it doesn't need to produce as much of it to manage blood sugar. That lowers insulin levels, which Cree and some researchers believe causes the ovaries to produce less testosterone and, as a result, can help reduce symptoms such as irregular periods, acne and excess hair growth. "One of the questions was, what other methods do we have to improve insulin sensitivity?" Cree said. She noted that other recommended treatments for PCOS symptoms, such as food changes, increasing exercise and the diabetes drug Metformin, are based on that goal. GLP-1s such as semaglutide improve insulin sensitivity and reduce appetite through several mechanisms. That includes slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach, prompting the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high and suppressing the release of a hormone that raises blood sugar. The weight loss caused by GLP-1s further helps improve insulin sensitivity. Early results from Cree's ongoing study support the idea that GLP-1s may lower testosterone. The trial, which began in 2023, follows girls and women ages 12 to 35 with obesity and PCOS who are on or off Metformin. The study is designed to administer semaglutide to patients for 10 months, and examine their weight loss, metabolic changes and improvements in reproductive function. Cree hopes the trial will answer whether GLP-1s can improve ovulation in women with PCOS. Many women with PCOS don't ovulate regularly, which can lead to irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant. Cree has initial data on 11 women who completed the 10 months on semaglutide and were not on Metformin. She said eight of them lost more than 10% of their body weight and saw a reduction in their testosterone levels. Five out of the eight patients had their testosterone levels reach "normal ranges," Cree said. Meanwhile, six out of the eight patients reported more regular periods. Cree said her trial will eventually have data from 40 women, but she is still enrolling patients in the group that takes Metformin. She said it will likely take two years before she publishes the first results from the study, which will focus on the differences in outcomes between kids and adults who only received semaglutide. She said comparing the groups is crucial because hormones that control growth are released during puberty, which could change how kids respond to GLP-1s. Not all women with PCOS will benefit from taking a GLP-1. Cree said in her trial, three patients who completed 10 months on semaglutide did not lose at least 10% of their body weight. One of those women did not lose weight at all, she said. Cree said that's consistent with previous studies on GLP-1s in adults with obesity. Despite the promise of GLP-1s in improving symptoms, more research is also needed on PCOS itself, said Dr. Karen Tang, an OB-GYN and founder of Thrive Gynecology. She said some people can experience hallmark symptoms of the condition, such as facial hair and acne, even though they have normal levels of testosterone. "There's still a lot that's very much unknown about PCOS and exactly how the disease kind of works," Tang told CNBC. Anecdotal evidence suggests GLP-1s may address more than just weight issues for people with PCOS. In a recent survey of 1,700 people by the birth control app Natural Cycles, 64% of women with PCOS who took a GLP-1 reported more predictable periods, and 20% said their bleeding days were shorter. Some patients with PCOS may also lose more weight on GLP-1s than those without the condition, said Dr. Kerry Krauss, an OB/GYN and medical director at Natural Cycles, who has PCOS herself. Research needs to confirm those benefits, but she said it gives hope to many PCOS patients who are frustrated with common treatments for the condition. Those options typically target just one aspect of PCOS, such as reducing androgen levels with certain types of birth control. Tang added that diet and exercise alone often fall short of addressing symptoms: "A lot of people can exercise very aggressively and regularly or watch what they eat and still struggle with hormone imbalances, weight, and blood sugar." That was the case for Haley Sipes, a 31-year-old mother of three based in Western Kentucky who experienced PCOS symptoms for years without a diagnosis. In 2022, before being diagnosed, she lost 75 pounds over 10 months through diet and exercise alone. Her progress stalled in late 2022 despite an intense diet and exercise regimen, and her weight began to fluctuate in 2023. By mid-2024, she had regained about 30 pounds. Sipes sought help from her primary care provider and underwent blood work, which revealed she had a hormonal imbalance. Initial efforts to regulate her hormones with progesterone and testosterone had a limited effect. Further bloodwork diagnosed Sipes with PCOS and insulin resistance, which she views as the root cause of her weight loss struggles. She recalled bloating, fatigue, low energy, and water retention during earlier efforts to lose weight. Despite her history of painful, irregular periods and ovarian cysts since age 10, her providers never mentioned PCOS as a possible diagnosis. In September 2024, her doctor prescribed Zepbound. Her insurance covered it due to her BMI and prediabetes status. Sipes said she noticed changes within the first month: her food cravings quieted, her inflammation decreased, she experienced less joint pain, and her period became less painful and occurred more regularly. Sipes added that she has not had ovarian cysts since starting Zepbound. After around eight months on the medication, she lost more than 60 pounds. Sipes said those results significantly improved her emotional health. "All the symptoms and being overweight might not seem like big things, but when you have 20 little things that are constantly nagging you, then you're going to be in a bad mood sometimes," Sipes said. "I'm just a better version of myself when I'm not controlled by food thoughts and hormonal issues that cause mood swings," she continued. "My life does feel so much more enjoyable." Sipes plans to continue taking Zepbound to maintain her results, possibly at lower doses. She noted that more research is needed on whether PCOS symptoms can fully resolve. Insurance coverage is currently the biggest hurdle preventing PCOS patients from accessing GLP-1s, said Dr. Alyssa Dominguez, an endocrinologist with Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. She said many PCOS patients are eligible to use GLP-1s for their approved uses based on BMI or related conditions, but may not have coverage. More than one-third of employers now cover GLP-1s for both weight loss and diabetes, while 55% only cover them for diabetes, according to a recent survey from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. In April, President Donald Trump rejected a Biden administration plan that would have required Medicare and Medicaid to cover obesity drugs. Some patients, like 34-year-old California mom Nabeelah Karim, have turned to other options. Karim was diagnosed with PCOS at 19 and took birth control on and off until giving birth in 2021. She said she struggled with hair loss, irregular periods, debilitating cramps, facial hair growth, severe water retention and mood swings. Karim said her period symptoms worsened after she gave birth, and in late 2023, she began what would be a painful five-month-long period. Doctors suggested that she lose weight, take painkillers or return to birth control. While Karim lost some weight through diet and exercise, she was eventually prescribed Eli Lilly's diabetes drug Mounjaro through the digital health startup Noom in April 2024. Her long period stopped and symptoms eased within days, and she began to lose more weight over time. "It had solved all the problems that I had experienced for years up until that point," Karim said. But her insurance plan never formally approved or denied coverage of Mounjaro, forcing her to pay its more than $1,000 per month out-of-pocket price. She eventually found a third-party compounding pharmacy that accepted her prescription, allowing her to buy a cheaper but unapproved version of the drug. Karim used that compounded version for six months and continued to experience weight loss and improvements to her PCOS symptoms. During FDA-declared shortages, pharmacists can legally make compounded versions of brand-name medications. They can also be produced on a case-by-case basis when it's medically necessary for a patient, such as when they can't swallow a pill or are allergic to a specific ingredient. But Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and some health experts have pushed back – and in some cases, taken legal action – against the practice, largely because the FDA does not approve compounded drugs. The FDA has declared U.S. shortages of both companies' drugs over. "When people ask about how safe compounded drugs are, the answer I typically give is I don't know," said Dominguez from USC's School of Medicine. She said that's unlike branded drugs, which have clearly defined risks and benefits proven in clinical trials. Hamilton, the 27-year-old patient who took a GLP-1 for PCOS symptoms, has never taken a compounded GLP-1. She is currently appealing her insurer's denial of semaglutide now that she has completed Cree's trial. "My whole life has been an inability to access care for my medical condition, and I'm tired of that," she said. "If somebody would have been able to provide 11-year-old Grace with this drug, that would have saved me."
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mum given less than a year to live after taking Mounjaro jab scare leads to diagnosis
A mum has been struck with the UK's most uncommon, incurable cancer following chest discomfort she initially attributed to Mounjaro injections. Dawn Clegg, 51, started experiencing the pain in late March this year after using the injections, which aided her diabetes management. However, a series of X-rays at the hospital revealed shadows on her lungs, kidneys, and breast, leading to a diagnosis of a soft-tissue cancer known as sarcoma. She was informed that the tumours on her breast and kidney were benign, but the one on her lungs was a sarcoma, accounting for merely one per cent of all cancers. Read more: LEGO school essentials include water bottle so 'perfect' all family members own With over 100 known sarcomas, doctors have yet to pinpoint Dawn's specific type, leaving her without a viable treatment option. Her devastated spouse, Arron Clegg, also 51, is now planning a 'living wake' in November to honour his wife, who has been given less than a year to live due to Britain's rarest cancer. Arron shared: "She went to Lancaster Hospital A&E at the end of March with chest pains, which she thought were a side effect of Mounjaro, which she was taking to help with her diabetes. "X-rays showed shadows on the lung, kidney and breast. "We were devastated on hearing news of cancer in 3 areas - there is no cure and she is now terminal. "The wake will mean she can spend quality time with friends and family whilst still alive rather than after the funeral that way she can see how much people care about her." Dawn had been using Mounjaro weight loss injections to manage her diabetes but started experiencing chest tightness, which she initially thought was a side effect. In late March, Dawn sought answers for her chest discomfort at Lancaster Hospital A&E. She underwent several X-rays that detected shadows on her lungs, breasts, and kidney. However, the following day, Dawn was "called back" to the hospital where they disclosed that the shadows were malignant. Further tests indicated that the breast cancer was benign and the kidney issue was minor. Yet, she received the "devastating" diagnosis that the lung cancer was sarcoma. Sarcoma is an uncommon cancer that forms in the body's connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, tendons, fat, and muscle. Arron shared: "The doctors don't even know what type of sarcoma it is four months later. "Sarcoma accounts for 1% of known cancers and with over 100 sarcomas, pinpointing the correct treatment is incredibly challenging. "She is now terminal and there is a high chance she won't make her 52nd birthday next year." Dawn commenced chemotherapy at Clatterbridge in Liverpool, but Arron has been informed "there is more chance of it not working then slowing it down". Following Dawn's grim prognosis, Arron is keen to arrange a 'living wake' – a celebration of her life with loved ones while she can still be part of it. Arron is planning to gather roughly 100 of his wife's nearest and dearest for one last cherished evening together. Arron shared: "Dawn means the world to me. "We went to school together and started dating after we found each other years later and have been married nearly 10 years. "Dawn is an amazing person; not very patient and yet with this illness she has surprised us both with her patience whilst they tried to find a treatment. "She is the best person I ever knew and the wake will mean the world to her." In due course, Dawn's farewell will continue with a service at Lancaster and Morecambe Crematorium, where she will be peacefully laid to rest beside her beloved daughter Isobel, who tragically passed away during childbirth. Dawn, who works as a receptionist at Bay Medical Group, is also a proud mother to George, her 19 year old son who is currently pursuing film production at university in Leeds. Arron has since initiated a crowdfunding effort to cover the expenses of the wake and funeral, scheduled for November 29, 2025. Supporters can contribute to Arron's fundraising online here:
Tom's Guide
12 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I drank lemon balm tea every day for a week to see if it could reduce stress and aid digestion — here's my verdict
If you've been around me for more than 90 seconds, you'll know that the last word anyone would use to describe me is 'calm.' If you're around me with my toddler and dog in tow, you'd probably recommend I take up yoga, or wonder how one person gets through the day surrounded by such chaos. With this in mind, when I heard about the viral TikTok trend of drinking lemon balm tea to reduce stress and anxiety, I decided to give it a try for a week to see if I noticed any difference. Read on to find out what happened. According to recent studies, lemon balm tea offers several benefits for both mental and physical well-being. Lemon balm is a fragrant herb from the mint family, characterized by its lemon-scented leaves. It has been found to have antiviral properties, as well as being anti-inflammatory. One of the most well-researched benefits of consuming lemon balm is its calming effect on the nervous system. This is said to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and nervousness. As well as helping you feel less stressed, lemon balm is thought to boost your mood and improve cognitive function and memory. Lemon balm is often used as a natural remedy for conditions such as insomnia and sleep disturbances, due to its calming properties. It's often paired with ingredients like camomile to help you fall asleep more easily and improve your overall sleep quality. Lemon balm is sometimes used in natural remedies for colic thanks to its ability to soothe digestive issues. It can also help with bloating, indigestion, gas and stomach cramps. Lemon balm is also used in topical ointments that treat cold sores (HSV-1) thanks to its antiviral properties. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. As a reminder, while lemon balm tea is considered safe to drink for most people, you should always check with your doctor if you're on regular medication, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Possible side effects associated with the consumption of lemon balm include headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice any of these side effects, stop taking lemon balm immediately. Was lemon balm tea the secret to feeling calmer? Here's what happened when I committed to drinking lemon balm tea every day for a week. Before popping the kettle on, I had to find lemon balm to drink. I keep a fresh mint plant in my garden, so I assumed I'd be able to buy a lemon balm plant in my local supermarket, and that I'd be able to stew the leaves in my teapot. Unfortunately, it was a little trickier to find, so I ended up having to buy dried leaves on the internet instead. I also found a 'happy' tea blend which contained lemon balm, turmeric and apple. In my first few days, I committed to sipping lemon balm at my desk. I usually drink peppermint tea, and the lemon balm tasted very similar. Plus, this article gave me more of an excuse to step away from my desk for a tea break. While I wasn't immediately feeling much calmer, I did need to pee more. As well as being full of antioxidants, drinking more tea means more water. It was convenient that I was doing this challenge during a heatwave here in the UK, so sipping on a couple of cups of tea during the day helped me drink more water and avoid dehydration. Plus, another benefit is that lemon balm tea is naturally caffeine-free. I found I was drinking less coffee, which is always a good thing, as too much leaves me feeling even more anxious. By the end of the week, I was fully on board with lemon balm tea and could quite easily make the switch from peppermint. I liked the taste and switched to my 'happy tea' blend when I wanted something a little punchier. I didn't notice any differences in my digestion, but I don't often suffer from bloating or indigestion. While I'm not sure my nervous system felt any calmer, I did find that the ritual of stepping away from my desk and making a tea, or sitting down with one after getting my son to bed, helped me carve out moments of calm during a very busy day. I'm going to continue sipping lemon balm tea, so maybe by the end of the month, I'll be an Instagram-perfect mum, finding calm in the chaos. Until then, I'll keep taking deep breaths when my toddler throws his dinner at the kitchen wall. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
