Over the last few months, more and more women in my community have been asking about something new: microdosing GLP-1s.
Some have tried traditional GLP-1 medications and didn’t like how they felt. Others are just starting their journey and want a more balanced, less intense approach to managing their weight and metabolism. And for many, it’s not about weight loss alone — it’s about energy, longevity, and staying well.
Let’s break down what microdosing GLP-1 actually means, why it’s becoming a real conversation, and whether it might be the right path for you.
What Is Microdosing a GLP-1, Really?
Microdosing a GLP-1 simply means starting with a smaller dose than what’s typically used in most weight loss programs.
Instead of rapidly increasing the dose each month, some providers take a slower, more gradual approach. That might mean starting with one-fourth or one-half the usual starting dose and staying there longer — or not titrating up at all if the lower dose feels good and works well.
This approach is always guided by a medical provider, and it’s not about doing less — it’s about doing what works better for you.
For some women, this means:
- Fewer side effects
- More stable energy
- A greater sense of control
And for others, it simply means honoring a slower journey that feels more in sync with their body.
Why Some Women Want a Gentler Start
Here’s what I’ve been hearing directly from women in my practice:
“I don’t want to feel like I’m on a rollercoaster. I want to ease into this.”
“My body is sensitive to most medications, and I’m scared of starting too high.”
“I’m not trying to lose 30 pounds fast. I just want to feel better and stop thinking about food all the time.”
This is where microdosing makes sense. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a great option for:
- Women in perimenopause or menopause
- Those prone to nausea or fatigue with higher doses
- Anyone looking to improve metabolic health or reduce cravings without rapid weight loss (example: longevity)
Microdosing vs. Traditional Dosing: A Quick Comparison
| vs | Traditional Dosing | Microdosing |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | Standard (e.g. 0.25mg weekly) | Lower (e.g. 0.06mg or 0.125mg weekly) |
| Titration | Increases every 4 weeks | Slower or no increase |
| Goal | Active weight loss | Gentle fat loss, appetite balance, energy |
| Side Effects | Often present (nausea, fatigue) | Usually milder |
| Who It’s For | People wanting fast results | People wanting consistency, longevity |
What My Clients Are Saying
Some of the women who switched to microdosing told me:
“It felt more doable. I wasn’t scared of side effects.”
“I just wanted help controlling cravings, not a crash diet.”
“I liked that I could listen to my body instead of rushing the process.”
Not everyone needs this — but for those who do, the shift can be powerful.
Who Microdosing Might Be a Good Fit For
If any of these sound like you, microdosing might be worth exploring (under medical care):
- You’re sensitive to medications and want fewer side effects
- You’ve reached your goal weight and want to maintain
- You’re more focused on energy, inflammation, and healthy aging than the scale
- You’ve experienced burnout or GI symptoms on higher doses
- You’re working on muscle-building and don’t want to lose lean mass
Who Qualifies for Microdosing GLP-1?
One of the most exciting things about microdosing GLP-1s? You don’t need to meet the traditional weight loss criteria to be considered.
Most of the women I work with are surprised to learn that you don’t need a high BMI to qualify. Microdosing isn’t just about weight loss — it’s about supporting metabolic health, improving appetite control, and reducing inflammation. That means:
- If your weight has plateaued, but you're still struggling with energy, cravings, or body composition…
- If you're sensitive to side effects at higher doses…
- Or if you're looking for a gentler, more sustainable path to wellness… like improving your longevity, for example
Then you may be a great candidate for microdosing.
📌 Pro tip: Most microdosing programs skip the one-size-fits-all checklist. You’ll answer a few health questions and work with a provider to see if it’s a good fit for your body and goals.
What to Ask Yourself First
Before you consider switching to or starting with a microdose, ask:
- What is my main goal right now — fat loss, maintenance, or metabolic wellness?
- Have I addressed nutrition and movement first (strength training + focusing on a high protein diet)?
- Am I being consistent with dosing, sleep, stress, and hydration?
- Am I feeling side effects that don’t seem worth it?
Want to Explore It Further?
There’s growing interest in this space, and providers like EllieMD are offering microdosing protocols designed to support longevity and wellness, not just fast weight loss.
You can check out their two options:
GLP-1 + B12 Longevity Microdose
GLP-1/GIP + B12 Longevity Microdose
Take This Home
You don’t have to go hard to make progress. In fact, many women I work with have seen amazing results by slowing things down.
Microdosing is not a shortcut — it’s just a different way to care for your body.
If you’ve been struggling with traditional dosing or just want a smarter, gentler start, talk to your provider. You may be surprised by how much a lower dose can still do.
And if you’re curious, I recommend checking out EllieMD’s starter microdose option, which is very affordable. All you need to do to get started is create a free account and start their intake form to see if it could be a good fit for you.
