Bodily changes after failed IVF

[Darkchoc]

So just had my first failed IVF cycle. Just a quick question really regarding how I look and feel. I have lost all the horrid weight gain from the drugs, it just sort of slipped off during my AF. But I feel really naff. I am tired to the point of exhaustion and have just broken out in spots on my face (like a teenager), my boobs are swollen, and am having hot flushes. I am not currently taking any meds. Is this all normal? And if so, what's causing it?

[Ilikesweetpeas]

Sorry to hear it didn't work, when this happened to me I'd say it took about a month / 6 weeks for me to feel physically better. Your body has been through so much with all of the drugs, not to mention the emotional stress. I hope you are able to rest and do some nice activities. I has a subsequent successful cycle and have an amazing DD so please don't give up hope. Your doctors may have learnt something from this cycle to help with your meds on a future cycle. Take care, this is such a hard time

[MoJangled]

Sorry about your IVF miss OP. What you're feeling is completely normal - your body is reacting to all the extra hormones you were receiving during the cycle. you're not receiving them anymore, but your body works on a hormone cascade, with each phase happening in response to the one before, so it might take a cycle to get back to normal. To say nothing of the massive stress you've been through. Look after yourself.

[Darkchoc]

Ilikesweetpeas thanks for your reply and congrats on your amazing DD. I really do love to hear such success stories . I am still cautiously hopeful and am trying to do lots of nice things to stay positive for the next cycle. Having my DC to keep me engaged and busy really does help. I think I imagined feeling better than I would once the drugs stopped. Crazy I suppose given the sheer quantity of hormones/drugs administered. I guess this feeling 'naff and knackered' is fairly typical then. Anyhow, I think we are all super women and are made of strong stuff to get through it!

[Darkchoc]

Thanks MoJangled I haven't heard of hormone cascade before but it makes sense now that you mention it. I'm going on post-dinner walks to de-stress, which is just lovely, and wonder if there is anything that one can actually do to re-balance the hormones. Does exercise help, or is it just a case of sitting it out and waiting for the body to bounce back?

[MoJangled]

Exercise and sleep are really good. Eating lots of fibre helps your body get rid of 'used' oestrogen. And cutting down on sugar / refined carbs works by smoothing out your blood sugar levels and seems to help smooth out hormonal booms and busts too. The most important thing is to listen to your body and rebuild your reserves - which it sounds like you're doing.