Rethinking Hormone Therapy
In November 2025, the FDA removed the “black box warning” from medications used for menopausal hormone therapy, a decision that was immediately described as historic. A black box warning indicates serious health risks and strict prescribing limitations. Risk information has now been moved to the prescribing information rather than appearing on the frontal packaging. The […]
Tracking Fertility on Antidepressants: A Personal Case
Even experienced users of fertility awareness methods can be caught off guard by unexpected changes in their cycle—especially when starting or stopping medication. This story comes from a long-time sympto-thermal method (STM) user who noticed clear shifts in her cycle after using antidepressant. “My cycles were always predictable—30 days, with a 14-day luteal phase. That […]
Why Women Experience Side Effects from Medications 1.5–2 Times More Often
When it comes to medication side effects, women are statistically at higher risk — studies show that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occur 1.5 to 2 times more frequently in women than in men. But why? Several biological factors contribute to these differences: Body composition: Women generally have lower body weight and less muscle mass, which […]
Can Acne Treatment Affect Female Fertility?
Many women focus on finding an effective and safe treatment for acne without considering how these medications might affect their reproductive health. Acne is often seen as a skin issue, while fertility feels like a completely separate topic. This story, shared by one of the users of this website, shows how these two areas can […]
The Impact of Semaglutide (Ozempic) on Female Fertility: Is It Safe for Women Planning Pregnancy?
Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic) is a medication developed by Novo Nordisk to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. In recent years, it has become one of the most popular drugs for weight management, with its off-label use increasing. A relevant question is whether semaglutide affects female fertility and whether it is safe for women planning […]
Medications Not Recommended in the Follicular Phase of the Menstrual Cycle
When it comes to women’s reproductive health, every detail counts—especially for those trying to conceive. Some medications can quietly influence the delicate balance of hormones that govern ovulation, affecting processes like hormone production, regulation, or the actual release of the egg from the follicle. For those who closely track fertility biomarkers, this is something to […]
Unveiling the Risks of Folic Acid: Essential Information for Women Planning Pregnancy
If you are planning a pregnancy, you are probably aware that folic acid (vitamin B9, called Folsäure in German) is essential for the development of the baby’s nervous system. A deficiency of this vitamin in the body can lead to a severe condition—neural tube defects in the fetus. Therefore, it is recommended to start taking […]
Case Study: When Herbal Tea Disrupts Your Cycle
When I first began working with fertility awareness clients, one of my very first cases turned out to be more educational than I could have imagined. A woman came to me after more than two years of trying to conceive. She and her partner had just learned the symptothermal method—a natural family planning approach that […]
Research on Medications Affecting Female Fertility Wins Best Presenter Award at ICOPH 2024
On August 16, 2024, Arevik Aivazova presented a study titled “The Impact of Widely Prescribed Medications on Female Fertility: Document Analysis of Regulatory Standards” at the 10th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH 2024) in Bangkok, Thailand. The presentation, which explored how widely used medications may affect female fertility, earned the Best Presenter award in […]
