104: How GLP-1s Are Impacting Women’s Health: Fertility, Thyroid, Menopause & Muscle | Live SXSW Panel

GLP-1 medications have become synonymous with weight loss—but what if their impact on women’s health goes far beyond the number on the scale?

Recorded live at SXSW in Austin, this special panel brings together experts in thyroid and metabolic health, fertility, menopause, and strength training to explore what women should really understand about GLP-1 medications.

Moderated by Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT, the conversation features McCall McPherson, PA-C, Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD, and Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD. Together, they discuss appropriate use, microdosing, insulin resistance, inflammation, thyroid disease, PCOS, fertility, perimenopause, menopause, muscle preservation, side effects, long-term use, and the importance of individualized care.

🔑 In This Episode:

What GLP-1 medications actually do beyond appetite suppressionWhy these medications were first used for diabetes and metabolic healthMicrodosing vs. traditional dosingWhy individualized dosing may help some women better tolerate treatmentGLP-1s, thyroid dysfunction, Hashimoto’s, and inflammationSeparating thyroid-cancer concerns from what the panel says current human evidence showsWhy adequate calories and protein matter while using a GLP-1The importance of preserving and building muscleGLP-1s, insulin resistance, PCOS, and fertilityWhy GLP-1 medications are not recommended while actively trying to conceive or during pregnancyPerimenopause, menopause, HRT, glucose regulation, and visceral fatWhen GLP-1 use may be short-term vs. longer-termSemaglutide, tirzepatide, and individualized prescribingDEXA scans, creatine, resistance training, and lean-mass preservationFasting insulin, A1c, leptin, and other metabolic markersSleep, HRV, hydration, and what wearables may revealFood noise, body image, and why appropriate medical screening matters

Fertility, PCOS & GLP-1s

Dr. Natalie Crawford explains that fertility is more than simply the ability to become pregnant—it can also reflect hormonal and metabolic health.

For patients with PCOS and insulin resistance, improving metabolic health may help restore ovulation and support fertility. However, Dr. Crawford emphasizes that GLP-1 medications are not intended to be used while actively trying to conceive or during pregnancy and discusses stopping them before conception under medical guidance.

She also highlights resistance training and skeletal muscle as powerful tools for glucose utilization, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and reproductive health.

Thyroid Health, Inflammation & Microdosing

McCall shares how her approach evolved toward lower, individualized doses after seeing patients struggle with nausea, inadequate nutrition, and difficulty consuming enough protein on standard dosing.

The goal, she explains, is not simply appetite suppression or rapid weight loss. It is finding a dose that allows patients to nourish themselves, preserve muscle, and improve metabolic health while minimizing side effects.

Menopause & Midlife Metabolic Health

Dr. Jessica Shepherd explores how declining estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during perimenopause and menopause influence the entire body—not just reproductive health.

The panel discusses the relationship between hormone changes, glucose regulation, insulin, inflammation, visceral fat, joint symptoms, and the potential role GLP-1s may have alongside other individualized midlife interventions.

Protecting Muscle on a GLP-1

Dr. Shannon Ritchey emphasizes that simply “lifting weights” is not always enough to preserve or build muscle.

The panel discusses adequate protein and calories, monitoring body composition, potentially using tools such as DEXA scans, and performing resistance training with enough intensity to stimulate muscle adaptation.

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Featured Panelists

McCall McPherson, PA-C

Founder, Modern Thyroid Clinic

Thyroid & metabolic health

Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD

Fertility specialist and co-founder of Fora Fertility

Author of The Fertility Formula

Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD

OB-GYN and women’s health expert

Author of Generation M

Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT

Founder of Evlo Fitness

Strength training and muscle-preservation expert

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This episode is for educational purposes only. GLP-1 medications are prescription medications and treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional based on individual history, risks, goals, and current evidence.