GLP-1 Medication and Male Fertility: Promising Findings

Research presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, suggests that taking GLP-1 medication for weight loss might improve male fertility. Obesity has been strongly connected to fertility issues in men due to its impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is responsible for regulating testosterone production. This can lead to functional hypogonadism, a condition marked by abnormally low testosterone due to disrupted hormone signaling, which can impair semen quality.

Impact on Reproductive Health

The study analyzed the effects of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs on reproductive hormones and metabolic outcomes. Researchers examined data from men aged 18 to 65 taking one of these medications, focusing on testosterone levels, brain hormones related to testosterone and sperm production, and a protein that carries sex hormones in the blood. Semen quality, weight, BMI, cholesterol, and blood sugar were also considered.

Findings from five randomized controlled trials indicated that GLP-1 medications do not suppress male hormones. Improved testosterone levels, sperm quality, and metabolic health were observed in obese men with low testosterone linked to obesity, especially during weight loss.

Examples of Study Outcomes

In a four-week study, dulaglutide showed no significant changes in reproductive hormones or sexual function. Another 16-week trial found liraglutide to improve hormones in obese men with functional hypogonadism, outperforming hormone replacement therapy in health outcomes.

A separate study with liraglutide reported better sperm concentration and count. A 24-week trial with semaglutide, commercially known as Ozempic and Wegovy, demonstrated improvement in sperm shape and reduction in bad cholesterol, while preserving total testosterone. However, due to the limited evidence base from just five trials, further research is needed to confirm these associations.

The authors concluded that GLP-1s do not appear to acutely suppress the male HPG axis and might enhance reproductive hormones and semen parameters in obese hypogonadal men within the context of weight loss.

Expert Insight

Dr. Anthony Puopolo, a men’s health expert, shared his perspective, highlighting the potential of GLP-1 medications in improving testosterone levels in obese men with hypogonadism or low testosterone. He noted that GLP-1s might provide a better option than testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for these men, as GLP-1 medications preserve fertility whereas TRT may harm male reproductive function and sperm quality.