https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:14:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2871332 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 09:16:39 +0000 Kaohinani 2871332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@foodiebee: Thank you so much for careful and detailed response! :heart: You have gone through so much. As for me, my RE says since I was so receptive to injectables, my E2 has been too high to allow for a LH surge leading to ovulation. He states that when my E2 gets low enough, I "should" ovulate and see my progesterone rise accordingly. We shall see 🤷‍♀️ as I am already 5 days past my longest unmedicated OV. I'm just afraid of an anovulatory cycle and a plethora of cysts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2871327 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 09:05:38 +0000 foodiebee 2871327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: I'm just now seeing this thread. I never overstimmed for my IUI cycles, but I used Clomid, then Clomid + Gonal F. Even on the cycle with Gonal, I only produced 2 mature follicles. I agree with PP that it takes some tries to figure out how your body is going to respond to these meds, which is frustrating but part of the game. </p> <p>With my one round of IVF, we did more Gonal (not Follistim, like you'd asked about), but even then, I only ended up with 5 mature eggs at retrieval. This is with having a normal-range AMH. I noticed through both IUI and IVF that the meds caused my cycle to be faster than it would be naturally, closer to what it should've been and wasn't doing on its own.</p> <p>My symptoms on my IUI cycles were bloating and over 5 IUI cycles (2 cancelled for no response or cysts but cancelled after meds were taken), some small weight gain (5 lb. over 6 months). All my bloating was delayed 1-1.5 weeks post taking the meds, not felt immediately.</p> <p>My symptoms post-IVF are harder to track bc we did a fresh transfer and my body immediately went crazy with the IVF hormones combining with the pregnancy hormones. Way too much for me to handle. I had painful bloating, water weight gain of another 5-8 lb., and horrible, depressive crying spells every day at the same hour like clockwork. I lost clumps of hair when I showered (hair loss is rarely mentioned from what I see but it is listed as a side effect of some of these meds). My dr said my body was having a hard time handling the symptoms of the IVF meds kicking in combined with pregnancy hormones, so my strong reaction could just be my body. Either way, DH and I left the experience grateful we'd gotten pregnant this time, because we only had one chance and we both didn't think my body could handle doing IVF again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2871154 Sat, 09 Feb 2019 18:35:56 +0000 Kaohinani 2871154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs Lavender: Thank you for your insight! 💙👍 My AMH at the start of the cycle was 1.4 ... which is good for being a couple weeks short of 39 years old. 😁 I was told not to trigger bc to do so may lead me to OHSS but to OV on my own time would allow the smaller follicles to shrink or absorb [hopefully before OV]; thus, to reduce chances of OHSS. I went from 3 large and 12 small follicles on 75-IU, then 2 days later (on 25-IU) I was with 5 large and 19 smaller. On no meds (* note - they reduced my dose to NONE), they found 4 large follies and 20 smaller than 10mm (one of the 14mm shrunk). The RE's nurse said I would be a perfect candidate for IVF since I respond so well to FSH but for the purpose of TI or IUI, I was TOO responsive. 🥺 My next cycle (whenever it comes), I will be stimming on only 50-IU of Follistim and going for scans every other day. They assume DH and I shouldn't have any issues conceiving as his numbers are stellar and my only issue was early OV [of immature ova] so they would like us to continue another cycle (or two) of TI before moving on to IUI. I was soooooooo hopeful this cycle since I was responding so well to Follistim but it wasn't meant to be. 😥 Looking at it positively, at least we have a plan for next cycle. Unfortunately, I do not know when/if I will OV at this point (since my E2 was so high). 🤷‍♀️ I was hoping SOMEONE would have a similar story. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2871147 Sat, 09 Feb 2019 18:07:09 +0000 Mrs Lavender 2871147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi @Kaohinani: ! I agree with SweetiePie, regarding overstimming being less common with IUI. I'm sorry your first cycle turned out that way! At least you now know you will respond! I was on a much lower dose of Follistim for IVF - I think 150IU. What's your AMH? I wonder why they wouldn't just have you trigger and abstain. Did they say why? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2871137 Sat, 09 Feb 2019 15:26:15 +0000 SweetiePie 2871137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: fwiw, I know it’s not the same but I had random follicles in the middle of my cycle when I was doing IVF. Like not when I should have. And it was causing issues with starting stims. They always had me trigger those away. I would imagine if your body didn’t ovulate on its own past a certain time frame they will trigger you but maybe caution you to stay abstinent so you don’t end up with quads 👶🏼👶🏼👶🏼👶🏼 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2871136 Sat, 09 Feb 2019 15:13:27 +0000 Kaohinani 2871136@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: Thank you, so much. 🙏 I had not considered "the weekend factor." I will bump it on Monday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2871135 Sat, 09 Feb 2019 15:09:07 +0000 SweetiePie 2871135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: I think it’s a little less common to overstim with IUI/TI. And then on top of that the boards are generally a lot slower on the weekends. I’d just try and bump this again on Monday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2871133 Sat, 09 Feb 2019 14:57:57 +0000 Kaohinani 2871133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Seriously, overstimming hasn't happened to anyone else? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2871080 Sat, 09 Feb 2019 06:39:55 +0000 Kaohinani 2871080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ladies, once again, I need your help and guidance. This is especially directed to the ladies who were set to IUI or TI but had to cancel (as with IVF, one must carefully overstim to collect the optimal number of mature ova) ...</p> <p>My conundrum:<br /> I overstimulated on my 1st cycle (24 follicles with 5 large) and had to be taken off of Follistim (which resulted in 24 follicles and FOUR large ones at my last scan). My E2 was also over 625.<br /> The cycle was cancelled and I was told not to trigger. I'm STILL waiting to OV. The RE's nurse told me not to use OPKs because with such high E2, it lowers LH and would not produce a decent enough line on a test even if I were ovulating. I have been tracking my BBT and have yet to see a significant temp shift. I assume that my E2 is still riding high and suppressing a surge. My fear is having painful cysts (if they are still growing and not desolving) and having to forgo next cycle.</p> <p>I would appreciate any response...<br /> My inquiries:<br /> • If you overestimated, when did you ovulate on your own?<br /> • Was it earlier or later than your typical [nonmedicated] ovulation time frame?<br /> • What happens if someone doesn't ovulate? Will I be given medication to induce an AF?</p> <p>Thank you in advance! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867629 Sun, 20 Jan 2019 05:19:02 +0000 Kaohinani 2867629@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2mamakrewe: Thank you so very much for sharing your experience on Follistim with me :heart: .... I am so sorry that it has yet to work for you. I, too, had the WORST experience with Clomid. The first cycle was not too bad (mainly headaches) but by the 3rd round, my ovaries were swollen and in so much discomfort, my breasts were symptomatic of being cystic, I still had the headaches which made me moody, I had trouble urinating during my ovulatory period, and I had packed on 10-lbs. The worst part - Clomid didn't work for me. I hope Follistim is better. I do not have issue with needles so, I am hoping, I can self administer my medication. Once again, thank you ... and fingers crossed 🤞that if you and DW try again, it is successful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867591 Sat, 19 Jan 2019 20:22:11 +0000 2mamakrewe 2867591@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve only done 1 cycle with follistim and ovidrel trigger to mature eggs for home insemination (ICI) with known donor sperm. I didn’t notice any side effects. Mayyybe a little weight gain but I haven’t been on a scale so I can’t say for sure. The clomid side effects were worse. The worst part was trying to inject myself when my wife wasn’t there. I’m a nurse and could give injections to others all day long but I couldn’t get myself to do it. Haha. The meds don’t sting and the needle is small! So far no + so I’m pretty sure it didn’t work for us. The monitoring was $$$ so I don’t know if we will try it again. It is exciting to watch the follicles grow. Good luck to you!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867568 Sat, 19 Jan 2019 15:36:46 +0000 Kaohinani 2867568@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: Thank you for sharing. :heart: I also think 300 seems a bit high, but I do trust my RE and I'm sure he will adjust accordingly (hopefully 😉). I'm glad to read that your only symptom was bloating ... I have read so much about OHSS (when I was on Clomid and now preparing for injectables) that I believe I have made myself a bit paranoid. 🤣😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867566 Sat, 19 Jan 2019 15:22:15 +0000 SweetiePie 2867566@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did gonal-f (pretty much same thing) through a total of 4 ivf rounds.<br /> I agree with a pp that 300 seems high for intercourse or iui, but I’m not a doctor and it can always be adjusted. </p> <p>The only symptom to speak of for me was bloating. But of course with ivf you’re going for quantity so that’s to be expected. If he’s just trying to mature one egg you may not experience that as much. And for that reason I wouldn’t worry as much about OHSS. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867515 Sat, 19 Jan 2019 08:58:39 +0000 Kaohinani 2867515@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Miss Sarah: Thank you for sharing your experience with Follistim! :heart: Reading it is very reassuring... I hope I have as much luck on it with natural intercourse or IUI as you had with IVF. Thank you, again. 🙂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867508 Sat, 19 Jan 2019 08:20:01 +0000 Miss Sarah 2867508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>• What was your experience? I used Follistim as part of my meds for my IVF cycle (irregular ovulation and unexplained infertility). I never tried it for any cycles besides IVF Round #1<br /> • Worst side effects? None that I remember<br /> • Weight gain or water weight? No<br /> • Was it effective for you? Very effective; we harvested 9 eggs (would have been more, but had a knicked blood vessel) and we conceived via IVF that round! </p> <p>Good luck to you!!!! :goodluck: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867498 Sat, 19 Jan 2019 06:14:37 +0000 Kaohinani 2867498@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: That is fantastic to hear ... No major side effects are a great thing! I'm pretty excited to have the Follistim "pen" rather than a traditional needle injectable as well. I'm glad you found success with it! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867497 Sat, 19 Jan 2019 06:06:35 +0000 meadow 2867497@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used follistim for 3 failed IUIs and our successful IVF. No major side effects. I really liked the pen style injection over some of my other drugs where I had to draw up the needle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867496 Sat, 19 Jan 2019 05:55:18 +0000 Kaohinani 2867496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Amorini: Thank you so much for sharing! :heart: I appreciate your suggestions for ridding one's body of the waterweight bloat. I am so glad that Follistim worked for you! 😁 I also did not know there was extra medication in the cartridge... I suppose to allow for enough to administer a proper amount after one "drips" the needle through the pen or if someone "dials past?" That is fantastic to know, though! Thank you. 😀 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867464 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 20:43:33 +0000 Amorini 2867464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used Follistim...</p> <p>...for IVF. My dose was high* (I wanna say higher than yours like 375) due to AMA.<br /> ...I can’t pinpoint any specific side effects with F. So much was going on for me physically and I had done Lupron priming before starting to stim which was hellish.. I’m prone to migraines but after Lupron hell, I kept my calcium/magnesium up and it really helped (daily Epsom salt baths and supplements). I also did a lot of acupuncture throughout to abate anxiety and side effects.<br /> - I had some bloating and a couple pounds of weight gain but I was growing follicles (huge amounts!) and the retrieval process does that to you. I had mild OHSS as a result of the post-retrieval bloat which you shouldn’t have to deal with. I think my RE went a bit high with my F dose but it wasn’t over the top...just expensive.<br /> ...But in end, it worked. Just one cycle. I stimmed with F (same dose throughout) for 10-12 days.</p> <p>ETA: it was painless for me and easy to self-administer and load into the pen. Oh and there’s an extra (50-75 cc ??) amount in the vials beyond what’s on the label (300cc ??) that you can draw out so you can save some $ that way, but not sure how much you will actually go through in your case. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867450 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 19:03:31 +0000 Kaohinani 2867450@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Starfish: I will wall you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867448 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:44:56 +0000 Mrs. Starfish 2867448@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: Well I can understand that completely as this is all about as frustrating and emotional a process as you can get! Who is your doc? I saw that you mentioned he was a top doc and I spent far too many hours researching top REs... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867441 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:17:37 +0000 Kaohinani 2867441@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@KT326: Great to know. Thank you. 😊 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867440 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:09:50 +0000 KT326 2867440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: The great thing about follistim is that it can be adjusted. During the second cycle for my youngest, I went up and down with the dose a couple of times. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867439 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:05:45 +0000 Kaohinani 2867439@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@KT326: I agree! I asked my RE about the high dose and he stated it is because I am of "advanced maternal age" and because I did not respond to Clomid AT ALL. He is the leading RE across 9 counties and the head of the dept of a university so I'm trying to completely trust his decision as well. 🤞 I am so glad to read that Follistim worked so well for you! 😁 Thank you, again. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867432 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 17:44:55 +0000 KT326 2867432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: That is a high dose to start with! My RE always started me at 75-125 and then adjusted accordingly. </p> <p>• What was your experience? - Was it used for infertility, PCOS, maturing eggs, or as a standard part of your ART? Infertility (I never had a cycle prior to having children and didn't respond to oral meds on their own)<br /> • Worst side effects? None<br /> • Weight gain or water weight? None<br /> • Was it effective for you? If so, how many cycles before you conceived? If not, what was resultant and did you change medication? Yes, it took two cycles (Follistim + Ovidrel + IUI) for my first son and two cycles (Femara + Follistim + Ovidrel + IUI) for my second son. I saw a different RE for my second which is why the protocol was slightly different. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867428 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 17:16:28 +0000 Kaohinani 2867428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Starfish: Thank you, Mrs. Starfish! :heart: I'm finding all of infertility to be quite frustrating and (at times) very emotional, so I can only imagine how this next stage moving forward will be. :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867425 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 17:00:44 +0000 Mrs. Starfish 2867425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used Follistim quite a lot during my years of IVF. I don't recall that medication in particular causing me any negative physical issues. </p> <p>With the cocktail of IVF meds, I almost always felt that my emotions were pretty out-of-control but I think that the process itself has as much to do with that as the hormones.</p> <p>Best of luck to you! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867424 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:56:13 +0000 Kaohinani 2867424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs Lavender: I will be on Follistim 300 IU #3 nightly for 7-10 days until they see an 18-22 mm follicle, and then I shall trigger with Ovidrel 250 mcg. (I seem to ovulate naturally with 12-15 mm follicles which may lend to immature ovum.) Anyway, they will U/S me every 2 days starting CD3 until CD9 and then every other. DH and I can BD as we wish BUT the RE will tell us when/if to refrain. After ovulation, I will be on Crinone gel (8%) inserted once every morning. He stated it is pretty much mandatory for someone on a course of injectables to be on a form of progesterone following their medicated cycle even if they have higher levels of progesterone naturally (such as myself) and have 16-day luteal phases. 🤷‍♀️ I am stoked for next cycle! 😀 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867422 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:48:19 +0000 Kaohinani 2867422@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@muffinsmuffins: Thank you SO much! Yes, chemically, Gonal-F and Follistim are "pretty closely" related as they both contain follintrophin alpha. And, I just need it for follicle maturation as well (but I believe it is because I am getting "older." 🙄😉😂 It is amazing what 3 years can do to a body!). Anyway, I REALLY appreciate how detailed you were in your response. Your DW's successes have given me hope! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-with-me-about-follistim#post-2867419 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:44:14 +0000 Mrs Lavender 2867419@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: Exciting! Good luck to you! I wouldn't be too worried about OHSS. OHSS can happen when your estrogen level gets too high growing multiple follicles. Which should not be the case with IUI, assuming your dosage will be lower. Did your RE tell you what to expect with your follicle growth? </p>