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Going through an egg retrieval is a big deal, whether you're donating eggs or freezing them for your own future use.
The process involves some pretty powerful injectable hormones that temporarily take over your body's natural cycle. These hormones are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs at once, which is quite different from the usual one egg per month. As a result, your body may need some time to reset and get back to its normal rhythm.
Let's chat about what you can expect from your first period post-egg retrieval and why it might be different from your usual monthly visitor.
When will my period return after egg retrieval?
After the egg retrieval procedure, most women can expect their period to arrive within about two weeks. But everyone's body is different, and some people might start bleeding sooner or later than this average timeframe. The arrival of your period is actually a good sign — it means your body’s getting back on track and starting a new menstrual cycle.
For some, the first period after egg retrieval might come as a surprise, arriving without the typical warning signs like cramps or mood swings. Others may experience even more intense cramps due to their ovaries still being slightly swollen from the retrieval process. If you typically have painful periods, it may help to prepare with your usual pain management techniques, whether that’s over-the-counter pain relievers, a heating pad, or whatever works best for you.
The physical differences
Many women find that their first post-retrieval period is heavier than usual. The reason? The uterine lining may have built up more than usual due to the hormones used during the egg retrieval process, so there's simply more to shed. This is completely normal and nothing to be worried about.
You might also notice that the flow is different. Some women report their period starting and stopping or that the flow heaviness varies more than usual throughout their period days. Again, this is your body's way of adjusting and getting back to its regular pattern — all totally normal.
“It’s important to remember any ART therapy, especially IVF, enhances the body's natural hormone response or uses direct hormone therapy to encourage egg recruitment, ovulation, and uterine lining support. These cycles are created and controlled, so it’s normal for menses to be different in length and heaviness than what you would see if ovulating naturally,” explains Dr. Shannon Alexa of Main Line Fertility in Philadelphia, PA.
And those emotions?
Some women report feeling more emotional or experiencing mood swings during this first post-retrieval cycle. This is perfectly normal and usually settles down as your hormones balance out.
Remember, your body has been through a lot. It's totally okay to take some extra time for self-care during this phase. Whether that means taking it easy at work, indulging in your favorite comfort foods, or spending some extra time relaxing, listen to what your body needs.
When will things get back to normal?
Most women’s menstrual cycles return to their usual pattern within one to three months after the procedure. This means that your second or third period should start to feel more like what you're used to. But the exact timing can vary from person to person, so don't worry if it takes a little longer for you to feel like you're back to your regular cycle.
You might also notice some changes in your cycle length — shorter or longer than usual for the first few months. This is just your body's way of readjusting, and it should stabilize over time.
What if something seems off?
While most of the changes you experience are normal, it's always important to pay attention to your body. If you experience severe pain, extremely heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad or tampon in less than an hour), or if your period hasn't returned after several weeks, check in with your healthcare provider.
Or, if you feel overwhelmed by emotional changes or are concerned about any aspect of your recovery, reach out to your provider for help. They are there to support you through this process and can provide reassurance or any additional care you need.
It’s all part of the process
Remember, these changes are temporary, and your body is incredibly resilient — you'll probably be back to your regular cycle before you know it.
Keep in mind that many women say the process makes them feel empowered. Whether you're donating eggs to help others or preserving your own reproductive options, you're taking an active role in your health. That's something to be proud of, even as you navigate the temporary changes to your body.
Every experience is unique. While it's helpful to know what to expect and hear other women’s stories, your journey might look a little different — and that's okay.
As you wait for your first post-retrieval period and adjust to any changes, remember to be kind to yourself. Your body has done something pretty amazing, and it deserves some extra TLC. Stay hydrated, eat well, get plenty of rest, and lean on your support system if you need to.
Blair Sharp is a freelance writer who lives in Minnesota with her husband and son. Her words have been published in various publications, including Parents, SheKnows, The Bump, and Insider. You can find her watching reality TV and sharing too many reels with her friends when she's not writing. To connect with Blair, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram, or head to her website www.blairsharp.com.