Egg Donor Hormones 101: What to Expect During the Stimulation Phase
Ovarian stimulation is one of the first major steps in the egg donation process. If you’re considering becoming an egg donor or are new to the process, this phase can seem a bit intimidating. Luckily, with clear guidance and close monitoring, most donors find it much more manageable than they expected. Here’s a quick overview of the stimulation process to help you feel even more prepared.
What Is Ovarian Stimulation?
In a typical menstrual cycle, your body naturally develops just one mature egg during ovulation. But for egg donation, the goal is to safely grow a group of mature eggs so your eventual retrieval is as successful as possible. During ovarian stimulation, hormonal injections are used to help your ovaries mature multiple eggs at once.
Commonly Used Medications for Ovarian Stimulation
Gonadotropins (FSH and HMG)
Typically administered daily via injection for 8–10 days, these medications stimulate your ovaries to develop multiple follicles, each containing one egg. In a typical cycle, only one follicle becomes dominant, while the others die off; however, these hormones help several continue growing, allowing multiple eggs to mature simultaneously.
GnRH Antagonists
These injections prevent you from ovulating too early. They essentially “hold” the eggs in place until retrieval day so the timing is just right. Most donors start their GnRH antagonist routine around day 6 of stimulation and continue to administer for 4-6 days, depending on how the follicles are responding to medication.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Commonly known as the “trigger shot,” this medication prompts the final stage of egg maturation and prepares the follicles for retrieval, which typically takes place 34–36 hours after the injection.
Common Symptoms During Ovarian Stimulation
Your body is working hard during this phase, so it’s normal to notice some side effects. Most donors report mild, manageable symptoms that improve shortly after retrieval.
Some physical changes may include:
- Bloating and cramping
- Breast tenderness
- Pelvic pressure
- Temporary weight fluctuations
- Mild nausea or headaches
Emotional shifts may include:
- Mood swings
- Feeling more sensitive or irritable
- Mild fatigue
Hormone changes can affect everyone differently, and none of these feelings mean anything is “wrong.” Instead, these sensations usually indicate that your follicles are developing as expected.
Monitoring Your Ovarian Response
Throughout the process, typically every few days, your care team will monitor your progress with ultrasounds and bloodwork to make sure your response remains safe and appropriate.
However, notify your doctor right away if you notice:
- Sharp or worsening abdominal pain
- Rapid weight gain over 24 hours
- Severe bloating or nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Any symptom that feels “off” or sudden
These may be early signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a rare but important condition to monitor for.
Connect with Egg Donor America
Ovarian stimulation is an essential part of egg donation, and while it involves daily hormone injections, most donors find the experience manageable with the right support. By knowing what to expect and staying connected with your care team, you can move through this phase with confidence and ease.
At Egg Donor America, our team is here to support you through every step of the donation process. If you're considering becoming an egg donor or want to learn more about what the stimulation phase is like, contact us today.