Why are gonadotrophins used in ovarian stimulation?

Follicles are small fluid-filled structures in the ovaries that can contain developing eggs. Gonadotrophins provide signals similar to the body's follicle-stimulating or luteinising hormones, helping selected follicles develop during a planned cycle. The response is followed with ultrasound and, when needed, blood tests.

The number and size of follicles, hormone results, age, medical history, and treatment goal all influence the dose. Additional medicines may control the timing of ovulation. This is different from taking a medicine simply to regulate a period; the purpose is controlled follicle development. See [Gonadotrophins](/materials/gonadotrophins/) for more about the medicine.

Use the prescribed injection technique and attend monitoring appointments, even when you feel well. Injection-site soreness, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, or mood changes may occur. Keep the clinic informed about symptoms and all other medicines.

If you forget a dose, contact the prescribing team before taking more medicine. Do not alter the schedule based on a home test or on symptoms alone, because follicle development is assessed through the planned checks.

Contact your clinician if abdominal swelling, pelvic pain, nausea, or vomiting is increasing while you are using gonadotrophins. Seek urgent help for severe pain, breathing difficulty, fainting, heavy bleeding, or a major reduction in urine. These signs need prompt assessment during stimulation.

Ask which hormone medicine you are using, what follicle response is being sought, and how scan findings will affect the next dose. Confirm the injection steps, storage instructions, missed-dose plan, expected monitoring schedule, and urgent contact details.