Does Menopur Make You Sleepy? Understanding the Fertility Medication's Side Effects

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Fatigue is one of the most commonly reported side effects by patients undergoing IVF treatments. In response to the question, 'Does Menopur make you sleepy?', medical sources confirm that drowsiness and fatigue are potential side effects of this fertility medication. This is primarily caused by significant hormonal fluctuations.

Quick Summary

Menopur, a fertility medication used in IVF, can cause fatigue and drowsiness due to significant hormonal fluctuations during treatment. Rest, hydration, and light exercise can help manage the exhaustion.

Key Points

Drowsiness is a documented side effect: Yes, Menopur can make you sleepy, with drowsiness and fatigue listed as common side effects in medical literature.
Hormonal fluctuations are the main cause: The drug's active ingredients, FSH and LH, cause significant hormonal shifts that contribute to exhaustion and fatigue during IVF treatment.
Elevated progesterone levels can intensify tiredness: Increased progesterone, especially after egg retrieval, is a known contributor to fatigue, similar to early pregnancy symptoms.
Stress and anxiety play a role: The emotional and physical stress of the IVF process itself can compound medication-related fatigue.
Rest and self-care are key for management: Prioritizing sleep, staying hydrated, eating well, and engaging in gentle exercise can help mitigate the exhaustion.
Monitor for serious symptoms: While tiredness is normal, severe symptoms like intense bloating, pain, or shortness of breath require immediate medical attention to rule out complications like OHSS.

Menopur (menotropins for injection) is a powerful medication used in fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), to stimulate the ovaries and encourage the development of mature eggs. For many patients, the physical and emotional demands of the fertility journey are intense, and side effects from medication are a common concern. Fatigue, unusual tiredness, and drowsiness are frequently reported by those taking Menopur, prompting many to ask: does Menopur make you sleepy?

Why Menopur Can Cause Sleepiness and Fatigue

Menopur contains human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), which consists of both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle. The significant hormonal fluctuations caused by Menopur can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including noticeable fatigue.

The Impact of Hormonal Changes

Increased Ovarian Activity: Menopur is designed to stimulate the ovaries into producing multiple follicles. This heightened ovarian activity is physically demanding on the body, which can deplete your energy reserves and leave you feeling exhausted.
Elevated Progesterone Levels: Throughout the IVF cycle, particularly after egg retrieval, patients are often given progesterone to help prepare the uterine lining for implantation. High levels of progesterone are known to cause fatigue and drowsiness, similar to symptoms experienced during early pregnancy.
General Stress of the IVF Process: Beyond the medication itself, the emotional and mental stress of going through fertility treatment can contribute significantly to fatigue. The constant appointments, injections, and anxiety surrounding the outcome can be mentally and physically draining. This stress, combined with the physiological effects of Menopur, can amplify the feeling of sleepiness and exhaustion.

Other Common Side Effects of Menopur

While fatigue is a key side effect, it is not the only one. Understanding the full range of potential effects can help you feel more prepared and manage your treatment journey effectively. Other common side effects reported by Menopur users include:

Injection site reactions: These can include pain, redness, bruising, and irritation at the site of the injection.
Headache: Many patients experience headaches during their stimulation phase due to the hormonal shifts.
Gastrointestinal issues: Bloating, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting are frequently reported.
Breast tenderness: Changes in hormone levels can lead to breast swelling and tenderness.
Dizziness: Some patients may experience dizziness as a side effect.
Mood swings: The influx of hormones can lead to emotional changes and mood swings, similar to PMS symptoms but sometimes more intense.

Managing Fatigue from Menopur and IVF

Dealing with exhaustion during an already stressful time can be challenging, but several strategies can help you manage the fatigue:

Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help improve your sleep quality.
Take Naps: If possible, allowing yourself a short nap during the day can help combat midday fatigue and boost your energy.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health and can help combat fatigue.
Maintain a Balanced Diet: Nutrient-rich foods can help stabilize energy levels. Avoid excessive amounts of sugar and simple carbohydrates, which can lead to energy crashes.
Gentle Exercise: Light activities like walking or gentle yoga can improve circulation and mood without overtaxing your system. Always consult your doctor about what level of activity is safe during your cycle.
Ask for Help: Don't be afraid to enlist the support of family and friends for chores or errands during your treatment.
Practice Stress Reduction: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or acupuncture have been found helpful by some patients in managing stress and fatigue.

Menopur vs. Other Fertility Medications: A Side-Effect Comparison

Different fertility medications have varying side effect profiles. Here is a comparison of Menopur with a few other commonly used IVF drugs, based on documented side effects:


Side Effect	Menopur (Menotropins)	Gonal-F / Follistim (FSH)	Lupron (Leuprolide)
Drowsiness / Fatigue	Yes, commonly reported	Fatigue and tiredness are also common side effects	Yes, dizziness and fatigue are reported
Injection Site Reaction	Common (pain, bruising, redness)	Common (bruising, redness)	Not specifically mentioned for injection site pain in sources reviewed
Headache	Common	Common	Common
Bloating	Common	Yes, common	Not as common, but possible depending on the protocol
Mood Swings	Common due to hormonal changes	Common due to hormonal changes	Very common due to potent hormonal effects

When to Contact Your Doctor

While some side effects like fatigue are normal, some symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). You should contact your fertility specialist immediately if you experience any of the following:

Severe pelvic pain or bloating
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (especially if severe)
Sudden, rapid weight gain
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Decreased or no urination
Severe headache
Pain or swelling in the arms or legs, which could indicate a blood clot

Conclusion: Coping with Sleepiness During Fertility Treatment

It is entirely normal to feel sleepy or unusually tired while taking Menopur and undergoing fertility treatment. This is a normal and expected response to the powerful hormones and the overall stress of the IVF process. The key is to listen to your body, prioritize rest, and not push yourself to maintain your usual pace. Communicate openly with your healthcare team about the side effects you are experiencing. With proper self-care and support, you can navigate this challenging phase with greater ease. For more information on managing IVF side effects, you can visit the Berry Fertility blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, feeling sleepy, drowsy, or fatigued is a very normal and commonly reported side effect of taking Menopur during fertility treatment. It is often due to the hormonal changes the medication causes in your body.

The primary reason Menopur causes fatigue is the significant hormonal fluctuations it creates in your body, particularly the increase in FSH and LH. This heightened ovarian activity is physically demanding and depletes your energy.

While it can be difficult to differentiate, your fatigue is likely related to Menopur if it starts shortly after beginning your injections and is accompanied by other common side effects like bloating, headaches, or mood swings. The overall stress of the IVF process also contributes.

To manage sleepiness, you can prioritize rest and naps, stay well-hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and engage in gentle exercise like walking. It's also important to minimize stress and ask for help with daily tasks.

Fatigue is a normal part of the IVF process due to the medications and stress, so it is not a reliable indicator of success. Tiredness can also be a side effect of the progesterone medication often used after embryo transfer and a symptom of early pregnancy.

Contact your doctor if your fatigue is severe and accompanied by other concerning symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath. These could be signs of a more serious complication, like OHSS.

Yes, fatigue is a very common side effect across many fertility medications used for ovarian stimulation, including Gonal-F, Follistim, and Lupron, as they all cause significant hormonal changes.