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When couples decide to take the journey of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), they often hear a lot about “hormone injections,” “hormone levels,” and “hormone monitoring.” But what exactly do these hormones do, and why are they so important for IVF success?
At Kamna Fertility Clinic, Gurgaon, we believe that understanding your treatment helps reduce anxiety and builds trust. Hormones are nature’s messengers — they carry instructions from your brain to different organs in the body. Reproductive hormones act on the reproductive organs, telling them when to produce eggs, prepare the uterus, and support a pregnancy. In IVF, hormones similar to those produced naturally are used to stimulate egg production and later to support pregnancy.
Below, we explain the main hormones involved in IVF and their role, in a simple pointwise way.
1. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH is the hormone that tells your ovaries to start developing eggs each month. In a natural cycle, only one egg usually matures. But in IVF, we want more eggs to increase the chances of pregnancy from one ovarian cycle. Hormone injections are therefore given to encourage multiple follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing eggs) to grow at the same time.
The growth of these follicles is monitored with ultrasound scans and blood tests to measure hormone levels.
2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH works with FSH to help the eggs grow and mature. In a natural cycle, a sudden surge of LH causes the egg to be released from the ovary (ovulation).
In IVF, we often control the timing of ovulation so eggs can be collected at the perfect stage. This means that instead of relying on the body’s own LH surge, we give a trigger injection to mimic it.
Maintaining the right balance of LH is important because too much or too little can affect egg quality.
3. Estrogen (Estradiol)
Estrogen is produced by the growing follicles in the ovaries. As follicles grow, estrogen levels rise.
This hormone thickens the lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it soft and receptive for an embryo to implant.
During IVF, estrogen levels are checked regularly. Too low, may indicate few eggs in the ovary or failure of eggs to grow; too high, and there may be a risk of complications like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
4. Progesterone
Progesterone is the “pregnancy support hormone.” It’s released naturally after ovulation to prepare the uterine lining to receive and nourish a fertilized egg.
In IVF, the body’s natural progesterone production can be lower because of the medications used, so we give progesterone supplements after the egg retrieval.
Progesterone is usually given as injections, vaginal gels, or capsules, and is continued for several weeks after embryo transfer until the pregnancy is stable.
5. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
hCG is the hormone detected in pregnancy tests. In IVF, it has two roles.
First, it’s used as a trigger injection to make the eggs mature before retrieval.
Second, if pregnancy occurs, your body will start producing hCG naturally to maintain progesterone production in early pregnancy.
Checking hCG levels after embryo transfer helps confirm if implantation has occurred.
6. Thyroid Hormones (T3, T4, TSH)
Thyroid hormones control metabolism and play a role in fertility.
If thyroid levels are too low (hypothyroidism) or too high (hyperthyroidism), they interfere with ovulation, implantation, and early pregnancy development.
Before starting IVF, we check thyroid function and correct any imbalance with medication if needed.
7. Prolactin
Prolactin is best known for helping with breast milk production, but high levels before pregnancy can interfere with ovulation.
If blood tests show high prolactin, we may treat it before starting IVF to ensure regular egg development. High prolactin may be due to low thyroid function.
Why Hormones Matter So Much in IVF
Each hormone has a unique role, and the balance between them is like a carefully tuned orchestra. If one instrument plays out of tune, it can affect the entire performance.
In IVF, we have the advantage of being able to control, adjust, and monitor these hormones to improve the outcome.
Hormones influence egg quantity, egg quality, uterine lining preparation, embryo development, and early pregnancy support.
How We Monitor Hormones at Kamna Fertility Clinic
We use blood tests to check hormone levels at specific times during your IVF cycle.
Ultrasound scans are done alongside hormone tests to get a complete picture of how your ovaries are responding.
If a hormone level is too high or low, medication doses are adjusted immediately to keep the cycle on track.
Common Hormonal Challenges in IVF and How We Manage Them
Sometimes the body may not respond as expected to stimulation medication. In such cases, we may adjust the dose of FSH or use different stimulation protocols.
If estrogen levels rise too quickly, we can make changes to reduce the risk of OHSS.
If progesterone levels are too low before embryo transfer, we may need to increase the supplementation.
The Emotional Side of Hormonal Treatment
Hormonal changes can also affect mood, energy, and emotions. Some women may feel more emotional, tired, or bloated during the stimulation phase.
We believe in supporting not just the medical side but also the emotional well-being of our patients. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide reassurance.
Tips for Supporting Hormonal Health During IVF
Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients.
Stay hydrated, as good fluid balance helps hormone transport.
Get adequate sleep, since hormonal regulation depends on proper rest.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and excessive caffeine, as these can disrupt hormonal balance.
Manage stress with gentle activities like yoga, meditation, or walking.
The Bottom Line
Hormones are the invisible guides of the IVF journey. They decide when eggs grow, when the uterus gets ready, and whether a pregnancy can continue.
At Kamna Fertility Clinic, Gurgaon, our expertise lies in managing these delicate hormonal changes so that each step of your IVF cycle is perfectly timed for success.
With advanced monitoring, personalized protocols, and compassionate care, we work to give you the highest chance of bringing your little one home.
📍 Kamna Fertility Clinic, Gurgaon
📞 +91 7042030555
📧 kamnafertility@gmail.com
