GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have transformed weight loss and metabolic health treatment. But if you’re also using hormonal birth control, you might be wondering—could these two medications affect each other?

At GOAL.MD, we’ve seen this question rise sharply as more women start GLP-1 therapy. The short answer: Yes, there are some important factors to consider, especially with certain GLP-1s and certain forms of birth control.

How GLP-1s Could Affect Birth Control

1. Slowed Gastric Emptying

GLP-1s delay how quickly your stomach empties. While this helps control blood sugar and hunger, it may also delay or reduce absorption of oral contraceptive pills, particularly in the first weeks of treatment or after dose increases.

2. Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea

If you vomit or have severe diarrhea within a few hours of taking your birth control pill, you may not absorb the full dose, reducing its effectiveness.

3. Specific Drug Interactions

The FDA label for tirzepatide includes a warning: it may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives during the first month of therapy and after each dose escalation. Semaglutide’s impact appears to be less pronounced, but caution is still advised.

Which Birth Control Methods Are Affected?

• Most at risk: Oral contraceptive pills (combined estrogen-progestin and progestin-only mini-pills)

• Less affected: Non-oral options like hormonal IUDs, vaginal rings, contraceptive patches, or injections (Depo-Provera)

• Not affected: Barrier methods like condoms, diaphragms, or copper IUDs

How to Protect Your Birth Control Effectiveness on GLP-1s

Use a Backup Method

If you’re starting GLP-1 therapy or increasing your dose, use condoms or another non-oral backup for at least 4 weeks.

Consider Switching to a Non-Oral Option

If you plan to stay on GLP-1 therapy long-term, talk to your provider about IUDs, patches, or injections.

Time Your Medications Thoughtfully

While it may not fully eliminate absorption issues, taking your birth control pill at a consistent time each day and away from your GLP-1 injection could help.

Monitor Your Cycle

If you notice breakthrough bleeding or changes in your menstrual cycle, check with your provider—it may be a sign your hormonal levels are fluctuating.

GOAL.MD’s Guidance for Women on GLP-1s

At GOAL.MD, we take a whole-health approach to GLP-1 therapy. That means not just focusing on weight loss, but also ensuring that medications fit safely into every aspect of your life, including reproductive health.

When you start a GLP-1 with us, we:

• Review all current medications, including birth control

• Provide personalized timing strategies for your doses

• Recommend backup contraception plans if needed

• Monitor your progress and adjust your care plan proactively

Bottom Line

If you’re on hormonal birth control and starting a GLP-1 medication, don’t assume they’ll play nicely without extra planning. Small adjustments—like using a backup method or switching to a non-oral contraceptive—can prevent unplanned surprises.

The safest path forward? Work with a medical team like GOAL.MD that understands both GLP-1 therapy and women’s health needs.