IVF frozen embryo transfer medications

[Hannahgape]

I have a one year old healthy daughter who I breastfeed frequently throughout the day. I’ve decided to have a medicated frozen embryo transfer to try for a second child.

The medication they’ve prescribed is Zumenon estradiol (10mg oral daily) as well as Lutigest progesterone (pessary x3 a day)

Please can you let me know if these are safe? I’m so concerned.

[admin]

Hannah:

We don't really have much data on the transfer of estradiol or progesterone into milk or to an infant. Basically what is published suggests that estradiol has minimal to no effect on milk production or outcome in the infant, except in ONE case where the infant had reduced body weight gain.

After prolonged exposure, weeks or months, gynecomastia symptoms have been reported in one male infant to me personally, but this is only anecdotal information.

Most fertility docs STRONGLY recommend that women not breastfeed while trying to get pregnant. They are concerned that breastfeeding might reduce fertility. We don't know this for sure, but its something to think about.

I'd suggest the risk to the infant is rather low.

Tom Hale Ph.d.