A physician-led path to metabolic health and fertility
A physician-led path to metabolic health and fertility
A new approach to weight loss, fertility and wellness
Safe, effective, and medically supervised weight-loss treatments designed to help you achieve sustainable results and support your reproductive health.
At Laurel Fertility Care in San Francisco, Dr. Collin Smikle understands that weight is often a complex metabolic issue, not a simple matter of willpower. For many individuals, especially those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or unexplained infertility, underlying factors like insulin resistance can make weight loss feel impossible.
Our program uses advanced, proven medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide (GLP-1 agonists) to address the root metabolic causes of weight gain. We offer personalized solutions to help regulate your body’s systems, improve fertility outcomes, and achieve lasting health.
Dr. Smikle’s approach to medical weight management
Unlike fad diets, our program is a physician-led medical treatment. These medications are a breakthrough for managing conditions linked to metabolic dysfunction.
- For fertility patients: Excess weight can disrupt the hormonal signals that trigger ovulation, contributing to anovulation (a lack of ovulation). For those with PCOS, insulin resistance often drives hormonal imbalances. By improving insulin sensitivity and promoting weight loss, our program can help restore regular menstrual cycles and improve your chances of conception, both naturally and with fertility treatments.
- For general wellness: Under the guidance of a nationally recognized, board-certified physician, patients benefit from a carefully tailored plan designed for safe, lasting results and improved overall health.
Schedule a consultation today to begin your personalized journey.
What is medical weight loss & how does it impact fertility?
Medical weight loss refers to physician-supervised programs that use safe, effective medications to support weight reduction.
These medications (semaglutide and tirzepatide) work by mimicking natural hormones that target appetite regulation and—crucially—improve insulin sensitivity.
This is vital because insulin resistance is a key factor in both weight retention and infertility, particularly in women with PCOS. By addressing insulin resistance, these medications can help rebalance reproductive hormones, restore ovulatory function, and create a more favorable environment for pregnancy.
Benefits of a medically supervised program
- Clinically proven: Backed by extensive research for both weight loss and metabolic health
- Effective: Provides consistent, measurable weight reduction
- Fertility-focused: Aims to improve metabolic factors linked to anovulation and PCOS
- Physician-directed: Monitored by a nationally recognized, board-certified physician
- Comprehensive: Addresses the hormonal and metabolic roots of weight gain
- Long-term: Supports lasting results with medical oversight
Am I a good candidate?
Good candidates for this program include adults who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, individuals with a BMI in the overweight or obese category, women with PCOS or insulin resistance who are seeking to improve metabolic health, and individuals whose weight may be a contributing factor to infertility or anovulation. A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Smikle’s team will determine if this program is appropriate for your specific health profile and fertility goals.
The Laurel Fertility difference
Dr. Smikle is a nationally recognized, board-certified physician with a reputation for precision, safety, and compassionate care. His concierge-level medical weight management program ensures each patient receives individualized attention, close monitoring, and expert guidance. Choosing Dr. Smikle means placing your trust in a physician who understands the complex interplay between metabolic health, weight, and reproductive wellness.
Your consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Smikle’s team will review your medical history, evaluate your weight and metabolic challenges, and discuss your goals in detail. His team will explain how semaglutide and tirzepatide work, outline expected timelines, and design a tailored plan that maximizes results while prioritizing your safety and health objectives.
How much does it cost?
The cost of medical weight loss varies depending on dosage, duration, and your personalized treatment plan. Pricing details and package options will be provided during your consultation. Insurance typically does not cover aesthetic weight loss programs, but flexible financing and payment plans may be available.
The medical weight loss journey
Treatment typically involves weekly injections of either semaglutide or tirzepatide. These medications regulate appetite, slow digestion, and improve insulin response, leading to reduced caloric intake and steady weight reduction. Dr. Smikle and his team will monitor your progress closely, adjusting treatment as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.
Medical weight loss results you can expect
Most patients adjust quickly to treatment with minimal disruption to daily life. Early weeks may involve mild digestive changes, which generally improve with time. Over the course of treatment, patients notice reduced cravings, improved portion control, and steady reductions in body weight. With continued oversight and healthy lifestyle practices, results can be maintained long term.
Semaglutide or Tirzepatide: Which is right for you?
Both medications are highly effective GLP-1 agonists but differ slightly in their mechanisms:
- Semaglutide: Mimics the GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin response
- Tirzepatide: Activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors for a dual-action effect on appetite and metabolism regulation, often producing greater overall weight loss
Dr. Smikle and his team will recommend the most suitable option based on your goals, medical history, and treatment preferences.
Frequently asked questions
We know this can be a new and sometimes overwhelming process. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear.
How does this program help with PCOS?
A majority of women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, which can lead to higher androgen levels, irregular or absent ovulation, and difficulty losing weight. By improving your body’s response to insulin, these medications help address the underlying metabolic driver of PCOS symptoms, often leading to more regular cycles and restored ovulation.
Can this treatment improve my fertility?
For many individuals, excess weight directly impacts fertility by disrupting hormonal balance. Research shows that losing even 5-10% of body weight can be enough to restore ovulation. This program is designed to help you achieve this goal, thereby supporting your fertility journey.
Are these medications safe to take while trying to conceive?
No. These medications are not approved for use during pregnancy and should not be taken while actively trying to conceive. Our medical team will establish a clear plan with you, which includes stopping the medication for a recommended “washout” period (typically 1-2 months) before you begin trying to get pregnant.
Can medical weight loss improve conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?
Yes. Many patients experience significant improvements in obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol as a result of sustained, medically supervised weight loss.
Are there lifestyle changes required?
Yes. These medications are a powerful tool, not a magic wand. Patients benefit most when treatment is paired with healthy dietary choices, increased physical activity, and supportive lifestyle adjustments. It is very important to maintain your protein intake and perform regular resistance training to maintain muscle mass.
Can I regain the weight after stopping medication?
It is possible to regain weight if healthy lifestyle habits are not maintained. Dr. Smikle and his team provide long-term strategies and support to help you preserve your results and the metabolic benefits you’ve achieved.
Take the first step toward your health goals
If you’ve struggled with weight, or if you suspect metabolic issues like PCOS are impacting your fertility, medical guidance may be the missing link. At Laurel Fertility Care, Dr. Smikle provides physician-directed, advanced solutions with proven clinical success. Schedule your consultation today and discover how expert oversight can help you achieve your health and fertility goals.