A Real-World Guide to the Hormones That Make the Magic Happen
If you’ve ever seen a fertility medication calendar, you know it looks a bit like a NASA launch schedule — color-coded, intense, and slightly terrifying. Don’t worry–you’ll get the hang of it faster than you think (and probably develop strong opinions about syringes vs. suppositories along the way).
Here’s a breakdown of the most common medications you’ll take as a gestational surrogate — what they do, how they’re given, and what you can expect during this crucial (and daunting) stage of your journey.
1. Birth Control Pills
Yep–you start with birth control to help you get pregnant. Irony at its finest.
Birth control pills are used to regulate your cycle so that your uterus can be synced perfectly with the embryo transfer schedule. You’ll usually take them for a few weeks leading up to your baseline appointment and start of medication.
Side effects are the usual suspects: mild nausea, mood swings, and feeling like your hormones are holding a staff meeting at random intervals throughout the week.
2. Lupron (Leuprolide)
Ah, Lupron — the tiny shot that keeps your ovaries quiet.
It’s typically given as a small subcutaneous injection in your stomach or thigh once a day. Lupron suppresses your natural cycle so your reproductive system doesn’t go rogue.
Essentially it keeps your body from ovulating when it’s not supposed to, allowing your clinic to control the exact timing of your uterine lining prep.
You might feel a little bloated or moody (or both, if you’re lucky), but it’s manageable. Just don’t be surprised if your family suddenly tiptoes around you. Another common complaint is the dull headache that you can’t quite shake–increase your water intake to try and offset this one.
3. Estrogen — The Lining Builder
This is the “let’s make your uterus nice and fluffy” phase. Estrogen helps your uterine lining grow thick and welcoming for that future embryo.
You might take it in one or several forms:
● Pills: Easy to swallow, but some people feel nauseous.
● Patches: Convenient but may turn your belly or hip area into a sticker gallery (rubbing alcohol can help clear the adhesive streaks that remain).
● Suppositories: Messy but effective (stock up on liners).
● Shots: Less common, but sometimes prescribed if your levels need an extra boost.
Estrogen can cause headaches, breast tenderness, and the kind of emotional rollercoaster that makes you cry at Publix commercials.
4. Progesterone — The Key to It All
This is the big one. Progesterone is what keeps your uterine lining stable and helps the embryo implant and grow.
You’ll typically take it in one of two ways:
● Suppositories: Given vaginally, usually two to three times a day. Messy but painless though some women experience increased vaginal irritation.
● Shots: The infamous intramuscular ones in your hip or upper butt. They’re done with long needles and thick, oily medication. You’ll quickly learn to warm the vial first and walk it off afterward.
Progesterone can make you bloated, sleepy, and full of weird dreams. But it’s also the hormone that holds everything together for the five days leading up to transfer, and the seven weeks after.
5. Medrol (Methylprednisolone)
This short course of steroids helps calm your immune system so it doesn’t decide the embryo is an unwelcome guest.
It’s usually taken as pills for a few days before and after transfer. The biggest complaint with Medrol is the taste, but thankfully it’s usually only taken for a few days and mouthwash afterwards does wonders.
6. Baby Aspirin
A tiny pill with a big job. Some clinics add baby aspirin to your regimen to improve blood flow to your uterus and reduce clotting risks.
It’s taken once a day, and it’s one of the easier ones–no side effects, no drama.
What It’s Really Like
Let’s be honest: taking all these meds can feel like a full-time job. You’ll have alarms going off, sticky notes everywhere, and a relationship with your sharps container that borders on sentimental.
You might feel like your emotions have been hijacked by a reality TV producer who was promised a bonus if ratings were high. Some days you’ll cry, other days you’ll snap, and still others will have you feeling like you’re on top of the world. There’s no denying this stage can be a rollercoaster, but it’s a temporary one.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember this: every single dose, every patch, every shot is one more step toward helping a family come to life.
General Tips
● Rotate injection sites: Your hips will thank you.
● Warm the oil: A heating pad before or after a progesterone shot helps ease the sting. ● Stock up on snacks: Hormones often demand tribute in the form of carbs and sugar. ● Set reminders: The worst thing you can do is miss a dose.
● Laugh when you can: There’s no such thing as too many memes about butt shots.
The Finish Line
It’s a lot, no doubt. But you’ll find your rhythm. Before long, you’ll be the one giving advice in surrogate groups, posting your color-coded med calendar, and helping the next person through it.
So take your meds, give yourself grace, and remember: this part doesn’t last forever, but the family that you’re helping to build, and the love that you’re putting into the world? That does.
