Microdosing GLP-1s Explained | Safe, Effective Weight Control

Written in collaboration with Dr Samila Asad — GP & NLP Coach, The Female Health Doctor Clinic

After my recent post on microdosing GLP-1s, I’ve had so many questions from women, both in clinic and online about how it really works, who it’s for, and what to expect.

So, let’s go through the most common questions together.

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Do you need to be a specific BMI to start microdosing?

Not necessarily.

Traditional GLP-1 weight-loss treatments (such as Saxenda, Ozempic, or Mounjaro) are typically approved for people with a BMI over 30, or over 27 with medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

However, microdosing GLP-1s works differently.

It’s a lower-dose, medically supervised version designed for those who may not meet strict BMI criteria but still struggle with:

Appetite regulation or emotional eating
Weight that’s resistant to lifestyle changes
Hormonal or metabolic changes in perimenopause and menopause

The focus isn’t on drastic change, it’s about gentle regulation, stability, and hormonal balance.

What exactly is microdosing GLP-1?

Microdosing means using GLP-1 medications at much smaller doses than typical weight-loss protocols.

GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) mimic a natural gut hormone that helps regulate:

Appetite and satiety
Blood sugar control
Insulin release
Digestive speed and energy

At these low doses, you still gain the benefits, reduced cravings, steadier energy, and improved mood, without the intensity or side effects that can accompany higher doses.

Many women describe it as “quieting the food noise” or “finally feeling back in control again.”

Which GLP-1 medications can be microdosed?

The main options include:

Liraglutide (Saxenda) – a daily injectable, ideal for gradual dose increases.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) – a weekly injectable, widely used for appetite regulation.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) – a weekly injectable that acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, offering added benefits for glucose and fat metabolism.

Each option has unique advantages depending on your health profile, tolerance, and goals. Your clinician can help tailor the best plan for you.

How are microdoses started and adjusted?

Always low and slow.

Typical starting points:

Liraglutide: 0.3–0.6 mg daily
Semaglutide: 0.125–0.25 mg weekly
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): 1.25–2.5 mg weekly (starting pen dose is 2.5 mg)

Doses are adjusted every 4–6 weeks based on your appetite, energy, and any side effects.
The goal is steady, sustainable progress, not a quick fix.

Are blood tests needed before starting?

They’re not always essential, but they are good practice.

If you have no existing medical conditions, your clinician may not require them. However, we often recommend checking:

Kidney and liver function
Thyroid profile
Blood glucose and HbA1c
Cholesterol levels

These provide a useful baseline and ensure your body is responding safely to treatment. We offer this, and more in our advanced blood package.

Can microdosing GLP-1s be used alongside HRT or during perimenopause?

Yes, and it can be one of the most effective combinations for women in midlife.

During perimenopause, fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels can make it harder to regulate appetite, mood, and sleep.

Microdosing GLP-1s can complement HRT by:

Reducing cravings and sugar dips
Supporting energy and emotional stability
Helping maintain weight and metabolism

Together, they can restore balance both physiologically and emotionally, helping women feel more grounded and in control.

How long should you stay on a microdosing protocol?

There’s no single answer, it depends on your goals and progress.

Some clients benefit from 3–6 months to help reset habits and appetite.
Others continue for 6–12 months, with regular reviews to adjust or taper as their progress continues.

The aim is not dependency, but regulation, once balance and confidence return, many women are able to reduce or stop medication altogether.

What happens after stopping microdosing?

When done properly, most women maintain their results.

That’s because the process isn’t just about medication, it’s about retraining both body and mind.

During treatment, we focus on:

Mindful eating habits
Emotional regulation
Identifying triggers and patterns

This is where coaching meets medicine, combining medical supervision with behavioural tools to help your results last long after the medication ends.

In summary

Microdosing GLP-1s isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about restoring balance, clarity, and confidence in your health.

It helps the body reset, particularly during hormonal transitions like perimenopause and menopause, and provides a safe, structured way to support long-term wellbeing.