Egg Freezing and Weight Gain: What to Expect and How to Manage It
My Fear of Egg Freezing and Weight Gain
When I first considered freezing my eggs, my biggest fear wasn’t the injections or the procedure itself—it was how it might change my body. I had heard stories of women feeling bloated, gaining weight, and struggling to get back to their pre-treatment selves. As someone who has always been mindful of my health, the thought of egg freezing and weight gain felt overwhelming. If you’re in the same boat, wondering whether the process will affect your body, let’s clear up the confusion.
While freezing your eggs does not directly cause long-term weight gain, there are temporary and indirect reasons why the number on the scale may fluctuate. Let’s break down the factors that contribute to weight changes during and after egg freezing and how you can manage them.
How Egg Freezing Works
Before diving into the connection between egg freezing and weight gain, it’s important to understand the process itself.
The egg freezing process involves controlled ovarian stimulation, where hormonal medications—follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)—are taken for about 10-14 days to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in one cycle.
Once the eggs mature, a “trigger shot” of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is given, and the eggs are retrieved approximately 34-35 hours later. Because this process involves hormonal shifts and ovarian stimulation, concerns about egg freezing and weight gain are common.
Does Egg Freezing Cause Weight Gain?
The short answer? Yes, but it’s temporary. While egg freezing and weight gain are often linked, the process itself does not cause long-term weight gain. However, temporary fluctuations may occur due to hormonal medications, fluid retention, and ovarian enlargement.
What Causes Temporary Weight Gain During Egg Freezing?
1. Hormonal Medications
The FSH and LH injections used in ovarian stimulation can affect appetite and metabolism, potentially leading to small weight fluctuations.
While some studies link FSH to fat accumulation, these findings are mostly based on natural increases during menopause or animal studies, not egg freezing.
2. Fluid Retention
Increased estrogen levels during stimulation can lead to water retention, contributing to a temporary weight increase and bloating.
This is commonly referred to as “water weight,” not actual fat gain.
3. Enlarged Ovaries
During stimulation, the ovaries grow significantly as they produce multiple eggs.
This can cause abdominal bloating and a sense of fullness, making it feel like weight gain, even if it’s temporary.
4. Stress and Emotional Eating
The stress of undergoing fertility treatments can lead to emotional eating, which may contribute to short-term weight gain.
On the flip side, some women experience stress-related appetite loss, leading to temporary weight loss instead.
5. Reduced Physical Activity
During ovarian stimulation, doctors often advise against intense exercise to prevent ovarian torsion (a painful twisting of the ovary).
This decrease in activity can cause temporary changes in weight and body composition.
How Much Weight Gain Can You Expect?
Studies suggest that weight gain during egg freezing is minimal:
- A study presented at the 80th ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo found an average weight gain of 1.5 pounds before egg retrieval.
- Another study reported an average gain of 387.7 grams (about the weight of two medium apples).
Weight fluctuations range from a loss of 2.2 kg (5 lbs) to a gain of 6.8 kg (15 lbs), though significant weight gain is rare.
Factors That Influence Weight Gain During Egg Freezing
Some women are more likely to experience weight fluctuations than others due to:
- Lower Initial BMI – Women with a lower body mass index (BMI) may experience slightly more weight gain.
- Number of Eggs Retrieved – A higher egg count increases ovarian response, which can lead to more bloating and water retention.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) – This condition causes significant bloating and fluid retention, making temporary weight gain more noticeable.
How Long Does Weight Gain Last After Egg Freezing?
The good news is that any weight gained during egg freezing is usually temporary.
- Most women return to their baseline weight within two weeks after egg retrieval.
- Water weight and bloating typically subside within 3-14 days as estrogen levels decrease and the ovaries shrink back to their normal size (usually right after your next period, you should feel some relief!).
Managing Weight During Egg Freezing
Although weight changes are often unavoidable, there are strategies to minimize excess bloating and fluid retention:
1. Follow a Balanced Diet
- Eat whole foods, lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar.
- Limit processed foods and excess sodium, which can worsen bloating.
2. Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water to support kidney function and help flush out excess fluids.
- Electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water may also help manage bloating.
3. Engage in Gentle Exercise
- Walking, light yoga, or stretching can promote circulation and reduce bloating.
- Listen to your body and avoid high-intensity workouts that could put stress on the ovaries.
4. Manage Stress
- Practice deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to manage emotional stress—this was a game-changer for me.
- Don’t be afraid to seek support from a therapist.
5. Avoid Alcohol and Excessive Caffeine
- Alcohol and caffeine can contribute to dehydration and increased bloating.
- Stick to at most one cup of coffee a day.
Does Egg Freezing Cause Cellulite?
Some women worry that hormonal changes during egg freezing might cause cellulite. While estrogen does play a role in fat storage, there’s no evidence linking egg freezing and weight gain to cellulite.
Cellulite is primarily influenced by genetics, long-term hormonal balance, and lifestyle factors. The short-term hormone changes do not cause long-term body composition changes.
The Bottom Line on Egg Freezing and Weight Gain
Egg freezing does not lead to permanent weight gain, but it’s completely normal to experience temporary fluctuations due to hormonal changes, water retention, and ovarian enlargement. If you step on the scale and see a slight increase, don’t panic! Most women return to their normal weight within two weeks post-retrieval, once their hormone levels balance out and bloating subsides.
The good news? You have some control over how your body responds. By focusing on nourishing foods, staying hydrated, managing stress, and engaging in gentle movement, you can feel your best during the process and minimize uncomfortable weight fluctuations. Think of it as supporting your body through a temporary shift rather than something permanent!
Ready for a Personalized Fertility Nutrition Plan?
If you’re planning to freeze your eggs and want expert nutrition guidance to support your hormones and minimize weight fluctuations, book a consultation today for a fertility-focused plan to ensure you’re supporting your body in the best way possible.
