Is taking growth hormone a month before an ivf cycle useful ? harmful?

[Linzeeee]

Hello I have low ovarian reserve and one failed ivf cycle where only one egg was retrieved which didn’t fertilize. Doc recommended me to go on growth hormone for a month before next cycle but he only mentioned it when I told him this could be the last round and also I am not going on DHEA. Has anyone tried growth hormone?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Linzeeee. Personal choic. As it is your last attempt, it might be worth a go. I am sure those who have tried will reply with their personal experiences. Good luck! Diane

[JenRoy]

Yes, I tried growth hormone on my final cycle. 6 weeks before. It was very low dose. I had no side effects. My clinic really rates it and has good experience with it. Along with my protocol change, I had an excellent response. Previous cycle (short protocol) 5 eggs, 3 mature and only 1 fertilised. Final cycle 16 eggs, 13 mature, 9 fertilised and 4 blasts x

[Linzeeee in reply to JenRoy]

wow those are very encouraging results! Thanks for sharing ! May I ask what dose you were on? All the very best to you !xx

[JenRoy in reply to Linzeeee]

Can’t remember the dose. It was very low. I think the change in protocol helped ie long protocol, using Pergoveris instead of high dose Menopur and double trigger. Plus DHEA for 3 months prior and Melatonin

[AliceSnow]

Hi I used GH for one month prior to my first ivf round due to low ovarian reserve. Bit expensive but painless no side effects I got 5 eggs went on to be 5 blasts. Now 36weeks pregnant after second transfer. Good luck!!

[Linzeeee in reply to AliceSnow]

Wow Congrats ! Strong results! May I ask how old you are? How much does one month of GH cost usually in the uk? X

[AliceSnow in reply to Linzeeee]

Thanks. I was 37 when I did it now 38. I think it cost around 650-750 for 6 week supply x

[miracleneeded]

Hiya,I didn’t do it prior to my cycle, I did it along with my stims. My doc explained it to me by saying it doesn’t increase the amount of eggs but it just improve the egg/embryo quality. I used it on my 5th round, first time that we got any decent blasts and as you already know I’m pregnant with twins. I think it’s definitely worth a go, otherwise you’ll just wonder what if!

[Linzeeee in reply to miracleneeded]

Wow amazing- thank you all for sharing. This is very useful to know. I’ll definitely give it a go then ! ☺️