Aripiprazole is a widely prescribed antipsychotic that many people take for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression. If you’re trying to start a family, you might wonder whether this medication could hurt your chances. The short answer: it can affect hormones, but the impact varies a lot from person to person.
Aripiprazole balances dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Those brain chemicals also help control hormones that drive fertility. In some men, studies have shown a modest drop in testosterone levels while on the drug. Lower testosterone can reduce sperm count and motility, making conception harder. For women, the medication can occasionally cause irregular periods or subtle changes in estrogen, which may delay ovulation.
Most of the evidence comes from small studies or case reports, so we don’t have a huge data set. Still, the trend suggests a possible link, especially if you already have other hormone issues.
First, talk openly with your psychiatrist or primary doctor. Ask about hormone testing – a simple blood test can show testosterone, LH, FSH, and estradiol levels. If the numbers are off, your doctor might adjust the dose, switch to a different antipsychotic, or add a medication to support hormone balance.
Second, consider timing. Some clinicians recommend checking sperm health after at least three months on the medication. For women, tracking ovulation with home kits can help you see if cycles are normal.
Third, boost what you can control. Keep a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking or excess alcohol – all of these help protect fertility regardless of medication.
If a change in medication is needed, options like risperidone or quetiapine are sometimes used as alternatives. Each drug has its own side‑effect profile, so a careful risk‑benefit discussion is essential.
Finally, remember that many people on aripiprazole do successfully conceive. Monitoring, open communication with your health team, and a few lifestyle tweaks often keep things on track.
Bottom line: aripiprazole isn’t a guaranteed fertility blocker, but it can shift hormones enough to matter for some. Get your labs checked, stay honest with your doctor, and take steps to support overall reproductive health. With the right plan, you can manage your mental health and still move toward parenthood.
