An expert has shed light on how GLP-1 medications, such as Mounjaro, may impact libido and offers advice on discussing these changes with your partner.
Mounjaro has received FDA approval for managing type 2 diabetes and is occasionally prescribed off-label for weight loss. Other medications in this class include Ozempic and Wegovy.
Many individuals using these drugs have noticed a decline in their sexual activities.
A couple shared their experience on Good Morning America, narrating the effects after Dr. Vincent Hsu began using Mounjaro.
“My sex drive decreased. Our intimacy has been very strong, historically, and when you notice it’s beginning to drop, it is concerning,” Vincent noted.
He explained his reasons for starting the medication: “At my heaviest, which was after my residency training, I was around 215lb, and I found out I was diabetic.”
Prescribed Mounjaro to manage his diabetes, he aimed to enhance his health.
With improved health, Vincent’s weight decreased to 125lb, and he developed a passion for running.
His wife, Grace, humorously remarked: “The joke used to be how running usually increases your endorphins and increases your desires, but then I was like ‘Wait a second, you’re running more now but it’s not like it used to be [in the bedroom].”
GLP-1 drugs list common side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, and mood shifts.
Some small studies suggest these drugs might lower libido, while others find no change or even an uptick in sexual activity.
Dr. Veronica Johnson, an expert in obesity medicine, provided insights into the situation.
She commented: “There’s some anti-inflammatory components of GLP-1 that we could possibly see in this setting with patients who have sexual dysfunction, but again I think it’s too soon to say.”
Some professionals suggest that lifestyle changes accompanying weight loss might affect sexual health more than the medications themselves.
Dr. Tiffanie Henry, a psychotherapist and relationship coach, told GMA: “Any type of weight changes can absolutely impact the intimate relationship, the sexual relationship, the relationship as a whole.
“A lot of times that is brought about indirectly by changes in our level of confidence, changes in our level of comfort, changes in our level of energy, stamina, desire.”
What can be done?
Dr. Henry suggests: “Open communication! Letting your partner in on the process, the entire journey.
“If you’re starting something like a new weight loss plan or GLP-1, that your partner is invested in all aspects of that and discuss changes all along that process.”
Based on his doctor’s guidance and with Grace’s encouragement, Vincent incorporated weight training alongside running and began gaining muscle mass.
He was also advised to space out the Mounjaro doses.
Vincent shared: “I think I’m in a much better spot physically and also the intimacy in our sex life has improved.”
UNILAD has reached out to Eli Lilly for a statement.