GLP-1s and Women’s Health: Fertility, Hormones & Menopause | SXSW Panel
GLP-1s and women’s health go far beyond weight loss. In this live SXSW panel, Dr. Natalie Crawford joins McCall McPherson, PA-C, and Dr. Jessica Shepherd for a conversation facilitated by Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT.
They explore how these medications intersect with fertility, PMOS, menopause, thyroid health, and inflammation, along with practical concerns like pregnancy timing, side effects, muscle loss, nutrition, strength training, and long term use. The panel also distinguishes established evidence from promising but still emerging applications.
IN THIS VIDEO:
00:00 GLP-1s and Women’s Health Explained
03:53 How GLP-1 Medications Work
07:08 GLP-1s, Fertility, and Pregnancy
09:06 What Is GLP-1 Microdosing?
11:28 GLP-1 Risks, Side Effects, and Muscle Loss
20:09 Can GLP-1s Reduce Inflammation?
23:54 PMOS, Insulin Resistance, and Fertility
28:13 Strength Training on GLP-1 Medications
30:13 How Fast Should You Lose Weight on GLP-1s?
33:06 GLP-1s for Perimenopause and Menopause
39:41 Do You Need to Take GLP-1s Forever?
45:20 GLP-1s, Pregnancy, and Male Fertility Q&A
49:30 GLP-1s, Fatty Liver, and Addictive Behaviors
53:18 GLP-1s for Longevity and Metabolic Health
57:27 Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Compounded GLP-1s
59:32 How to Protect Muscle on GLP-1s
01:04:08 PMOS, Hypothyroidism, and GLP-1 Lab Markers
01:06:32 Wearables, Sleep, HRV, and Hydration on GLP-1s
01:09:23 GLP-1s, Food Noise, and Body Image
FACILITATOR:
Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT
Website: https://www.evlofitness.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shannon.dpt
PANELISTS:
Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD
Website: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd
McCall McPherson, PA-C
Website: https://mccallmcpherson.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa
Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD
Website: https://www.jessicashepherdmd.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicashepherdmd
RESOURCES:
Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book
Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD
Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com
Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education
AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk
ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:
Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.
Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

