Stopping medication after failed FET

[GentleAquaSheep]

I sadly found out today that our frozen embryo transfer failed as our pregnancy blood test after the 2 week wait came back negative. Its our 6th failed transfer, so we are devastated.

I am also really worried this time about stopping all the fertility medication as in this protocol, the hormone medication has been at its highest ever dosage for a much longer time.

• 8mg estrogen daily through 4x 2mg pills vaginally, 150mcg estrogen patches changed every 48 hours, 400mg progesterone vaginal tablets daily, 25mg progesterone injections daily, 10mg Prednisolone daily, 200mg Plaquinol tablets daily and 40mg exonaparin injection daily.

In our previous cycles with far less hormones, i already had pretty bad side effects when I had to stop them.

Has anyone else gradually weaned off fertility hormones after a failed fet? Or know the reason why we are asked to stop at once, cold-turkey style?

When people come off hormone replacement therapy, they do so gradually to avoid greater side-effects, (I realise they may be on for much longer / different meds and different reason), but it does make me wonder what the reason is for not graduating the reduction in hormone medication after failed fets.

I tried asking my fertility clinic for advice, but got no answer.

Maybe it's just a silly question , but I'd be grateful if anyone can give some advice.

I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to your question I'm afraid. (I have found the IVF process to be frustrating in terms of being given medical instructions without any explanation, even if you ask for the rationale - it's a very "just do as instructed" process, rather than involving you in decision making, in my experience at least). I hope you can find an answer, it's a very reasonable and relevant question.

I'm so very sorry for your disappointment and loss. My heart goes out to you.

Hi lovely, I’ve had 4 ivf rounds and feel your pain. I’ve never been on that much medication thought, bless you that’s a lot to take.

im not sure of the answer and have also wondered this in the past. I’m guessing it’s to simulate what the body’s natural response is. Once we release an egg the progesterone rises and keeps rising until an embryo implants, if this dosent happen it dramatically decreases triggering the lining (period) to shed.
maybe they need you to stop suddenly to trigger your lining to shed? Again, I’m just guessing here. I’ve tried to google it but there’s no literature out there.

ivf is fucking shit, draining everything out of you. I really hope you’re ok & get through this ready for the next one xx