The Whats and Whys

A lot of people have been asking me about my medication and why I have to take so many different things. So I thought I would share this information….even I had no idea that a surrogate would have to be on so many medications.

The uterine cavity in a gestational carrier is hormonally prepared prior to the embryo transfer to allow implantation to occur.  Birth control pills are used to regulate the carrier’s cycle so that it becomes physiologically synchronized with the egg donor’s cycle.

 Lupron is also used to further “suppress” your own hormones that may prematurely stimulate the lining of your uterus.

 When your hormones are adequately suppressed, you then take estrace to stimulate the uterine lining in preparation for embryo implantation (transfer).  The estrace pills are then taken for approximately 4 additional weeks before the transfer of the embryos, and you’ll continue to take them following a positive pregnancy test (to mock the hormones that your body would make during a natural cycle). 

Once the donor’s egg retrieval has been scheduled, begin  progesterone in oil, prometrium, doxycycline, and prednisone.

 Progesterone in oil and prometrium are prescribed to mimic the natural hormones y our body would make during a woman’s regular natural monthly cycle.

  Doxycyline is an antibiotic used to prevent an infectious reaction against the embryo that might hamper implantation.

 Prednisone is used to theoretically prevent an immune reaction from the gestational carrier against the embryo which might also hamper implantation. 

Baby aspirin has a proposed role in preventing microscopic blood clots, increasing blood flow to the uterus and enhancing embryo implantation.

Side effects:

Lupron (aka leuprolide acetate) – The most common side effects of Lupron are headaches and/or hot flashes, since the Lupron puts your body into a temporary menopausal state. 

Estrace (aka estradiol) – The most common side effects of estrace are breast tenderness and increased vaginal discharge.

Progesterone in oil & prometrium – Bloating, weight gain, mood swings and discomfort at the injection site.

  Doxycycline & prednisone – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. 

I hope this helps answer any questions. What a small price to pay to create something so wonderful!!