Reversals, Weight loss and Mounjaro

Weight and Fertility

Losing weight can significantly improve fertility chances for both men and women. Here’s how:

• Regulating Hormones: Excess weight can disrupt hormone balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation issues. Losing weight helps restore hormonal equilibrium, making conception more likely.
• Improving Ovulation: Women with obesity often experience ovulatory dysfunction, meaning their ovaries may not release eggs regularly. Even a small weight loss can improve ovulation rates.
• Enhancing IVF Success: If undergoing fertility treatments like IVF, maintaining a healthy weight can improve the body’s response to fertility medications and increase the chances of successful implantation.
• Reducing Pregnancy Complications: Obesity increases the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Achieving a healthy weight before pregnancy can lead to a safer and healthier pregnancy.
• Boosting Sperm Health: In men, obesity can lower sperm count and motility. Losing weight can improve sperm quality and overall reproductive health.

Even modest weight loss can make a difference. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help optimise fertility and improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable prescription medication used for managing type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have weight-related medical problems. It belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, which work by mimicking hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.

When is Mounjaro indicated?

Mounjaro is indicated for:

• Adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control, alongside diet and exercise
• Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

How to take Mounjaro

• Mounjaro is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous (under the skin) injection
• The recommended injection sites are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
• Inject on the same day each week, but you can change the time of day if needed
• Mounjaro can be taken with or without meals

Dosing Schedule

• The starting dose is 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.

Dose increases:

• After 4 weeks on 2.5 mg, increase to 5 mg once weekly
• If additional glycemic control or weight management is needed, dose can be increased in 2.5 mg increments at 4-week intervals
• Maximum recommended dose is 15 mg once weekly
• Follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions for your dosing schedule

When to adjust your dose

Consider** decreasing your dose if:

• You experience severe gastrointestinal side effects
• Your blood sugar levels drop too low (if you have diabetes)
• Your healthcare provider recommends a dose adjustment

**Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider first.**

Potential risks and side effects

Common side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Constipation
• Indigestion

Less common but serious side effects:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if taking other diabetes medications
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Allergic reactions
• Kidney problems
• Gallbladder issues
• Changes in vision
• Thyroid tumors or cancer (rare)

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Severe stomach pain that may radiate to your back
• Persistent vomiting
• Symptoms of low blood sugar (sweating, dizziness, confusion)
• Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness)

Optimising lifestyle and diet while taking Mounjaro

For best results with Mounjaro:

• Follow a balanced, calorie-appropriate diet
• Engage in regular physical activity (aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week)
• Monitor your blood glucose regularly if you have diabetes
• Stay well-hydrated
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress effectively

Preparing to stop Mounjaro

When planning to discontinue Mounjaro:

• Always consult with your healthcare provider before stopping
• Develop a sustainable nutrition plan focused on portion control and nutrient density
• Establish consistent exercise habits before discontinuation
• Learn to recognise hunger and fullness cues
• Focus on high-protein, high-fibre foods to maintain satiety
• Continue monitoring your weight and/or blood glucose regularly
• Consider gradual dose reduction under medical supervision
• ALLOW AT LEAST 6 WEEKS AFTER DISCONTINUING MOUNJARO BEFORE TRYING TO CONCEIVE

The importance of working with your dietitian/ clinician

Mounjaro is most effective when used in conjunction with professional dietary guidance.

A registered dietitian/ clinician can:

• Create a personalised nutrition plan tailored to your specific needs
• Help you develop sustainable eating habits that continue after medication
• Provide education on portion control and mindful eating
• Adjust your nutritional approach as your medication dose changes
• Support you in maintaining weight loss or blood sugar control after discontinuation
• Address nutritional challenges specific to your lifestyle and preferences

Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a registered dietitian who specialises in weight management and/or diabetes care.

Important reminders

• Never share Mounjaro with others, even if they have similar symptoms
• Store unused pens in the refrigerator
• Pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days
• Keep all medications out of reach of children
• Dispose of used pens properly in a sharps container

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions regarding your Mounjaro treatment plan, and report any concerning side effects promptly.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Finally

If you would like to discuss a more individualised approach on managing your weight, including advice on fertility & tubal reversal, or would like to arrange a review, please contact Mandy Banbury (secretary to Mr Dobson) to arrange a consultation.

Contact Us:

Mandy Banbury:

Tel: 0115 966 2111 (Tues/ Wed/ Thurs)

Email (Mon- Fri): femalereversals@gmail.com

Clinics: The Park Hospital, Nottingham