The weight gain is real The high estrogen levels during the superovulation phase of the IVF cycle can lead to fluid retention and cause weight gain for some women. But it is only temporary and once the superovulation stops, the hormones get excreted into the urine.
Very rarely a woman might gain weight very rapidly during ovarian stimulation because of a complication known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome(OHSS). Fortunately most women experience only the mild form of this which includes symptoms like mild abdominal pain, nausea and slight weight gain.
The key to losing weight after IVF is the same as for anyone aiming to lose excess pounds: burn more calories than you consume by reducing your total intake or exercising more. The ideal approach is to do both, but to do it in a way that doesn't compromise your nutritional needs.
Bloating is very common at this stage of your treatment and if you wish, you can take paracetamol for pain relief. Many women experience constipation due to intake of progesterone. You can take a mild laxative to help such as Senna or Lactulose.
IVF can be mentally, physically and emotionally painful. In many cases, one of the biggest complaints is bloating and pain some women face during the ovarian stimulation process, where hormones are injected to produce multiple eggs for retrieval.
HORMONE TREATMENT
During an IVF cycle, women are given medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These medications cause hormonal changes that can lead to fluid retention and weight gain.
While some put on extra pounds quickly, they tend to lose it again just as fast. For others, it's a far more gradual process. The amount of weight gained varies as well. Online, people undergoing IVF report gaining 3 to 15 pounds prior to the embryo transfer.
Generally, OHSS symptoms worsen to a peak within a few days after retrieval and then subside over the course of a few days to two weeks.
Eat Foods High in Protein, Sodium, and Fiber
Eating a balanced diet with an increased intake of foods high in protein, sodium, and fiber can help speed up your recovery. It's important to nourish your body to help relieve bloating after egg retrieval.
The high estrogen levels during the superovulation phase of the IVF cycle can lead to fluid retention and cause weight gain for some women. But it is only temporary and once the superovulation stops, the hormones get excreted into the urine.
Exercising frequently for short periods is a great first step. Build up to longer exercise sessions to see greater results. Choose activities that raise your heart rate, such as jogging, swimming or fast biking.
So, between ART cycles, you can use foods, herbs, and acupuncture to hit the reset button on your liver's daily activity. Some great foods to work into your diet are artichokes, carrots, beets, and lemon water. Other foods like dairy, sugar, and alcohol are better to cut back on as they can bog down liver activity.
How long will I feel the effects of the hormones after my procedure? The peak effect of your medications happens approximately 7-10 days after the procedure. After that time, the ovaries will slowly reduce in size and return to normal following your next menstrual cycle.
While weight gain is not a typical side effect of Gonal-f (follitropin alfa), stomach bloating can be. For some people, this stomach bloating can make pants or other clothes feel tighter, as if you've gained weight. The bloating is temporary and should go away once you've finished using this medication.
While progesterone doesn't directly cause weight gain, it does increase your hunger levels which may make you feel like you're eating more and therefore gaining weight. But progesterone is just a small player in hormone balance and weight management. There are other hormone imbalances that may cause weight gain.
Does IVF increase weight? Slight weight gain during IVF treatment (5–10 pounds) is considered absolutely normal. Contrary to popular belief, an increase in body weight is most often caused by hormonal changes and water retention during ovarian stimulation (not IVF itself).
Bloating is a common post egg retrieval symptom, and it is a consequence of your ovaries being enlarged. Distention and a feeling of fullness after a less than normal sized meal are also commonly linked to bloating. If it is a case of mild OHSS, these symptoms should resolve on their own in around 1-2 weeks time.
Most women feel full and bloated from enlarged ovaries
Most women will also feel a full, bloated, heavy feeling in the pelvis.
A nutritional diet is necessary before, during, or after the IVF process. Eating fresh fruits and green vegetables can do the work! Focus on eating more low-calorie and high in fiber foods that can lead to post-IVF weight loss. Avoid processed meats and fried or breaded meat from your diet.
It's typical for your body to feel “off” after discontinuing your medication and in the days and weeks following a failed cycle. Your body needs some time to adjust after recently going through a lot on the physical, mental, and emotional levels, thanks to the rush of hormones and procedures it just endured.
Other potential risks include increased levels of anxiety and depression, ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, placenta praevia, placental separation and increased risk of cesarean section. The association between assisted conception and long-term risk of cancer is debatable.
When estrogen is balanced, the right amount of fat helps carry out female reproductive functions. However, when there's too little or too much estrogen, weight gain often results. Overweight women typically have high amounts of estrogen, as do women in the first half of pregnancy.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), a higher body-fat percentage can also affect the success of fertility treatments, such as IVF. On the flip side, when you have a low BMI, or a low body-fat percentage, your body doesn't have enough energy to run properly.
Typical side effects include: Passing a small amount of clear or bloody fluid shortly after the procedure — due to the swabbing of the cervix before the embryo transfer. Breast tenderness due to high estrogen levels. Mild bloating.