Question 1

What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a complication that occurs when fertility medications cause the ovaries to become dangerously swollen and painful. It is caused by excessive stimulation from injectable gonadotropins and hCG medications that trigger dramatically elevated estradiol production. The Estradiol Ultrasensitive LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for monitoring OHSS risk because it precisely measures the hormone levels that indicate ovarian overresponse.

Question 2

What causes Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome is caused by injectable fertility medications called gonadotropins (FSH and LH) combined with hCG trigger shots that stimulate egg production. These medications cause the ovaries to produce excessive amounts of estradiol hormone and develop multiple follicles simultaneously, leading to ovarian swelling and fluid leakage into the abdomen and chest. Women undergoing IVF or ovulation induction treatments are most susceptible, especially when high doses are used or when they produce many eggs in response to stimulation.

Question 3

What is the best test for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The Estradiol Ultrasensitive LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for monitoring OHSS risk because it precisely measures estradiol hormone levels that skyrocket during ovarian overresponse. Estradiol levels above 3,500-4,000 pg/mL indicate high OHSS risk, while levels exceeding 6,000 pg/mL signal severe risk requiring immediate intervention. Your fertility doctor will monitor your estradiol levels every 1-3 days during stimulation to adjust medication doses and decide whether to proceed with egg retrieval or cancel the cycle to prevent dangerous complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are undergoing fertility treatment and notice rapid weight gain of more than 2 pounds per day, severe abdominal bloating and pain, nausea and vomiting, decreased urination, or shortness of breath. Testing is essential during IVF stimulation cycles, especially if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are under age 35, or produced many follicles on ultrasound. Your doctor should monitor estradiol levels every few days throughout your stimulation cycle, with more frequent testing if levels rise rapidly or you develop symptoms.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

OHSS symptoms range from mild bloating and discomfort to life-threatening complications. Mild symptoms include abdominal bloating, mild pain, nausea, and weight gain of 5-10 pounds. Moderate to severe symptoms include rapid weight gain exceeding 2 pounds daily, severe abdominal pain and swelling, persistent nausea and vomiting, decreased urination, shortness of breath, and tight or enlarged abdomen. Critical warning signs requiring emergency care include severe abdominal pain, excessive and rapid weight gain, severe shortness of breath, blood clots, and decreased urine output indicating kidney problems.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face the highest OHSS risk due to their tendency to produce many eggs in response to stimulation. Other risk factors include being under age 35, having low body weight or BMI under 18, previous OHSS episodes, high or rapidly rising estradiol levels above 3,500 pg/mL, and developing more than 25 follicles during stimulation. Using hCG trigger shots instead of alternative protocols and becoming pregnant in the same cycle also significantly increase risk, as pregnancy hormones can worsen OHSS symptoms.

Question 7

What happens if Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated severe OHSS can lead to life-threatening complications requiring hospitalization. Fluid accumulation in the abdomen and chest can cause difficulty breathing and respiratory distress. Blood becomes concentrated and prone to dangerous clotting, increasing risk of stroke, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. Kidney function can deteriorate due to dehydration and reduced blood flow, potentially causing kidney failure. Ovarian rupture or torsion (twisting) may occur, requiring emergency surgery. In rare cases, severe OHSS can be fatal, making early detection and treatment absolutely critical.

Question 8

Can Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

OHSS is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, physical examination, and ultrasound imaging. Blood tests measure estradiol levels to assess ovarian response and identify women at high risk before severe symptoms develop. Additional blood work checks hematocrit (blood concentration), kidney and liver function, and electrolyte balance to evaluate OHSS severity. While blood tests alone cannot diagnose OHSS, estradiol monitoring during fertility treatment is essential for predicting risk and guiding preventive measures like adjusting medication doses or freezing embryos instead of fresh transfer.

Question 9

How is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Mild OHSS is managed at home with rest, increased fluid intake, high-protein diet, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen. Moderate to severe cases require close medical monitoring with frequent office visits to check weight, abdominal measurements, and blood work. Hospitalization may be necessary for IV fluids, medications to prevent blood clots, and procedures to drain excess abdominal fluid. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications while waiting for the condition to resolve naturally, typically within 1-2 weeks if not pregnant or several weeks if pregnancy occurs.

Question 10

How can I prevent Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Your fertility doctor can use several strategies to minimize OHSS risk. Starting with the lowest effective medication dose and using GnRH antagonist protocols instead of agonists reduces stimulation intensity. Triggering ovulation with GnRH agonists instead of hCG injections significantly lowers risk in high-responders. Coasting (stopping stimulation medications while monitoring estradiol decline) allows hormone levels to drop before egg retrieval. Freezing all embryos and postponing transfer to a later cycle eliminates pregnancy hormones that worsen OHSS. If estradiol exceeds 4,000-6,000 pg/mL or you develop more than 25 follicles, your doctor may recommend canceling the cycle entirely.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

If you develop mild OHSS symptoms, drink 10-12 glasses of electrolyte-rich fluids daily like sports drinks and coconut water to maintain hydration. Eat small, frequent high-protein meals including eggs, lean meats, Greek yogurt, and protein shakes to support recovery. Weigh yourself daily and measure your waist circumference to track fluid retention. Rest with your legs elevated to reduce swelling, and avoid strenuous activity and sexual intercourse. Use acetaminophen for pain relief but avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen that can affect kidney function. Contact your doctor immediately if symptoms worsen, you gain more than 2 pounds daily, or experience severe pain or breathing difficulty.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Blood Test

What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

What causes Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

What is the best test for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

When should I get tested for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

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