Can GLP-1 weight loss medications affect sex drive?

If you’re embarking on your weight management journey with the help of GLP-1 medication, you might be aware of potential side effects, such as nausea. However, there are reports of an unexpected impact in the bedroom, too. If you’re taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide), you might have noticed a change to your libido. Whether you’re hornier than ever or not feeling frisky at all, join HANX’s in-house pleasure experts to explore why the latest groundbreaking weight management medication might be sending libidos rocketing - or plummeting…

Why does GLP-1 medication potentially affect sex drive?

Known as the ‘reward hormone’, dopamine is released during pleasurable, or indulgent activities such as eating that ridiculously trendy giant pancake stack you saw on Instagram. GLP-1 medication can impact the body’s release of dopamine, making the sweet treats that you might have pursued for that delicious dopamine rush less rewarding. However, the reward pathways that are stimulated by food, alcohol, cigarettes crossover with those involved in sexual arousal and satisfaction. GLP-1 medication suppresses this dopamine release, which might not only put you off snacking, but also sex.

(Side note: from a medical perspective, it’s really exciting that these medications may have applications beyond weight loss alone. One early study highlights the possibilities for GLP-1 medication to help manage addictive behaviour e.g. alcohol or drug consumption. Watch this space!)

Bear in mind that GLP-1 medication itself might not be the direct cause of libido loss. Whilst taking this medication, you also need to be mindful about your eating habits, and eating less or being in a calorie deficit can naturally decrease libido. Other factors to consider include your broader health and any transitional life stages e.g. menopause can cause changes to your level of sexual desire.

My sex drive has increased when using GLP-1 medication

You’re not alone! Some people have reported finding that their libido has increased since starting to take semaglutide medications. Wegovy, and another semaglutide medication, can help with insulin control, making you more likely to get into the mood. Your increased sex drive may also be related to weight loss whilst using GLP-1 medication, as it can spark hormonal shifts which improve sexual desire.

We’ve researched our own community’s experiences with desire dips, and 60% say that body image is the key thing having a negative affect on their libido. It therefore tracks that as you make positive progress towards your health goals on a weight management programme, your self-esteem and perception of self will improve (alongside potential external attention!). The result: a cheeky boost to your sex drive. 

Remember, higher or lower, this change in sex drive may purely be for the adjustment period until your body gets used to the medication. Libido increase/decrease aren’t officially listed as side effects of GLP-1 medication just yet and the research is limited so far (and in one study, purely featuring men…). However, we’d love to hear your experiences - are you seeing changes to your libido when taking Mounjaro or Wegovy? Get in touch.

How to boost your libido naturally

• Get that blood pumping. If you’re prescribed a GLP-1 medication, you should be making sure to get plenty of exercise, too. Swimming, pilates, jogging or yoga - whatever floats your boat, it might just rock your bed, too.
• Eat the rainbow. As our Co-Founder, Dr Sarah Welsh, loves to remind us, it’s important to eat a wide range of fruits and vegetables to benefit from lots of different minerals and nutrients. Lack of zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron can all negatively affect how much you want to have sex, so top up on leafy greens and beans! 
• Prioritise Headspace. Stress, anxiety and depression can all impact libido, so make time for peaceful downtime. 
• Chat to your GP. If libido loss is worrying you, especially if you’re taking medication such as SSRIs, you might find that it’s always worth having a chat with your GP or healthcare provider as they may be able to adjust the dose of your medication, or explore alternative reasons for why your desire levels have changed.
• Try Libido Lift. Our most-wanted sex drive supplement for women is all-natural, formulated with science-backed ingredients including maca root powder, and stirs smoothly into a drink of your choice. That’s date night sorted.

A last reminder: it’s really important to use a barrier method of contraception when taking Mounjaro as there’s a chance this GLP-1 medication can interfere with oral contraceptive pills. Don’t forget the condoms…

Want more?

• What’s really affecting women’s sex drives? Our survey results are in - read on.
• Shake up a saucy sex drive-boosting mocktail! Get our Libido Lift Love Potion recipe here.
• Curious about the side effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro? Read on.
• Traditional workouts and eating less simply not helping with your weight goals? Find out if you’re eligible for the new weight management programme via HANX. Start consultation here.