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Learn about how Mounjaro may affect your sex drive, how it could improve it, and useful tips about how to manage your sex drive whilst taking Mounjaro.
What is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)?
Mounjaro is a once weekly injection that helps manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It also supports weight loss in people living with obesity or who are overweight.
It works by mimicking two gut hormones: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) that help regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite and promote a longer-lasting feeling of fullness. This can lead to better energy levels and steady weight loss.
Although originally developed for type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro has shown impressive results in supporting weight loss, particularly when compared to other medications in the same class, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, which act only on GLP-1. Mounjaro’s dual-action mechanism may offer even greater benefits for some individuals.
Mounjaro was approved for use in the UK in late 2023. While it is now being introduced in some NHS specialist weight management services, it is also available privately for weight loss through registered online pharmacies and private clinics, including ours.
Mounjaro's Impact on Sexual Function
Hormonal Changes and Sexual Desire
Your sex drive (libido) is influenced by many things, including your hormone levels, emotional wellbeing, and how you feel about your body. When you lose weight, your body can begin to rebalance important hormones like testosterone and oestrogen, both of which play a key role in sexual desire.
Hormonal imbalances caused by excess weight or certain health conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can interfere with libido. Mounjaro may help by supporting weight loss and better metabolic health, which can in turn help restore hormonal balance over time.
Some people may notice changes in libido when first starting Mounjaro. This may be linked to temporary shifts in hormones or mild endocrine disruption during the early stages of treatment. These effects are usually short-lived and tend to settle as your body adapts.
Dopamine and other neurochemical changes
Mounjaro also influences the gut-brain axis, a communication pathway between your digestive system and brain. This can affect how we experience pleasure and reward by changing levels of certain brain chemicals, like dopamine, which plays a key role in motivation, mood and sexual desire.
As your health improves, many people report feeling more energetic and motivate, this include in their sex life. Others may notice a brief dip in desire early on, especially if they experience tiredness or nausea as a side effect.
What the data shows
To date, clinical trials of Mounjaro haven’t specifically measured sexual function as a primary outcome, so the research data is limited. That said, people’s personal experiences vary:
- Some notice a boost in libido as they lose weight and feel more confident
- Others report a short-term dip in desire, especially in the first few weeks or months
Sex drive is shaped by many things: hormones, mental wellbeing, body image, energy levels, and even relationship dynamics. For most people, any changes they notice tend to settle as their body gets used to the medication and adjust to a new weight set point.
How Mounjaro may improve your sex drive
Here are a few ways Mounjaro could positively influence your sexual wellbeing:
- Better blood sugar control = increased overall energy and well-being, improved circulation, and lower risk of erectile dysfunction (in men)
- Weight loss = improved body image and self confidence, both of which are important factors in sexual desire
- Improved mood and physical health = a more positive mindset and greater interest in intimacy
Managing Sexual Health While Using Mounjaro
Addressing Decreased Libido
If your sex drive feels lower than usual after starting Mounjaro, you’re not alone and there are things you can do:
- Speak to your prescriber or pharmacist about whether a dose adjustment could help
- For some, hormonal support (such as HRT or testosterone therapy) may be appropriate depending on your individual needs; this should always be discussed with a healthcare professional
- If the change persists, discuss other treatment options with a healthcare professional that may be a better fit
Psychological Factors and Interventions
As you lose weight, it’s completely normal to need time to adjust to your changing body. Feeling more confident and comfortable in your own skin doesn’t always happen overnight. However, over time, improvements in body image can have a big impact on how you feel about intimacy.
At the same time, stress, low mood, or anxiety, whether related to weight, health, or life in general, can affect sexual desire. That’s because libido isn’t just physical; your mental and emotional wellbeing plays a major role too.
If you’re in a relationship, keeping the lines of communication open with your partner can help reduce pressure and make it easier to reconnect, both emotionally and sexually. And if you're finding things difficult or overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional. You’re not alone and the right support can make all the difference.
Lifestyle Modifications to Support Sexual Health
Incorporating healthy everyday habits alongside your Mounjaro treatment can make a real difference to your sexual wellbeing. Staying active helps support hormone balance, lift your mood, and improve circulation, all of which play a role in desire and performance. Eating a balanced diet, including nutrients like zinc and healthy fats, can also help support hormone levels.
Good sleep is just as important, as tiredness can really impact libido. And don’t forget to look after your mental wellbeing. Relaxation practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle yoga can reduce stress and help you feel more connected, both with yourself and with your partner.
Special Considerations for Specific Populations
- Menopausal women: It’s common for libido to change during menopause due to lower oestrogen levels. Mounjaro may help ease some symptoms like hot flushes or vaginal dryness through weight loss, but some women may still benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for added comfort and sexual wellbeing.
- Men with erectile dysfunction: Mounjaro’s positive effects on blood sugar and circulation may help, but some men might still need support from medications like sildenafil (Viagra). It’s best to discuss options with a healthcare professional.
- Fertility: If you’re trying for a baby, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting or continuing Mounjaro. Weight loss can support ovulation and improve fertility in some cases, though how Mounjaro itself affects fertility is still being understood.
- Contraception: If you notice changes in your menstrual cycle while taking Mounjaro, it’s a good idea to check in with your prescriber to make sure your contraception is still right for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about changes in your sex drive while using Mounjaro, speak with our support team. We're here to help you feel informed, reassured, and supported at every step. Everyone’s journey is different and we’re here to support yours.
References:
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