Does Ovaleap Cause Weight Gain? Understanding Body Changes During Fertility Treatment

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research presented at the ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo, weight gain during fertility treatments like IVF is generally modest and often temporary. However, both women and men treated with Ovaleap should be aware of potential body changes, as the question 'does Ovaleap cause weight gain?' has different implications depending on the patient's sex.

Quick Summary

Ovaleap has a low incidence of causing clinically significant weight gain, but it is a listed side effect, especially in men. Rapid weight gain in women can be a warning sign of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Key Points

Ovaleap is a common fertility treatment: It contains follitropin alfa, used for ovarian stimulation in women and sperm production in men.
Weight gain in men is a known side effect: For men using Ovaleap for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, weight gain is a commonly reported side effect.
Rapid weight gain in women signals OHSS: In women, rapid and severe weight gain can be a sign of a serious medical condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
Normal weight fluctuations occur during IVF: More modest weight changes in women are often caused by temporary bloating and fluid retention, which typically resolve after treatment.
Most weight gain from IVF is not significant or permanent: Research indicates that the average weight gain during ovarian stimulation is minor and temporary for most patients.
Medical supervision is critical for weight changes: Patients, particularly women, should report rapid weight gain to their doctor immediately to rule out serious complications like OHSS.

Weight Gain in Men Using Ovaleap

For men receiving Ovaleap to treat hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, weight gain is a recognized side effect. This is due to the hormonal changes that Ovaleap, a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and its combination with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can induce. Other common side effects in men include gynecomastia (breast enlargement) and acne. It is important for men undergoing this treatment to discuss any noticeable body changes with their doctor so they can be properly monitored.

Rapid Weight Gain in Women and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

For women, particularly those undergoing ovarian stimulation for fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), rapid weight gain is a symptom of a serious complication called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). OHSS is an over-reaction of the ovaries to the fertility medication, causing them to become enlarged. In mild or moderate cases, OHSS symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating are common, but severe OHSS can be life-threatening. It is crucial to monitor for signs of OHSS, including rapid weight gain, and seek medical attention immediately if they appear.

Other Sources of Weight Fluctuation During IVF

Besides the risk of OHSS, women may also experience non-OHSS-related weight changes during IVF cycles due to other factors.

Bloating: Hormonal stimulation can lead to bloating, abdominal distension, and water retention, which can temporarily increase body weight.
Stress: The mental and emotional stress associated with fertility treatment can influence eating habits, sometimes leading to overeating or changes in diet that result in weight gain.
Fluid Accumulation: Even in the absence of severe OHSS, some fluid retention is common during the stimulation phase and can contribute to minor, temporary weight increases.

Clinical Perspectives on Fertility Treatment and Weight

In 2024, a study examining weight changes during and after ovarian stimulation was presented at the ASRM Scientific Congress. This research offers valuable insight into the reality of weight fluctuations for many patients. The study, led by physicians at Shady Grove Fertility, looked at thousands of ovarian stimulation cycles and found that the average patient gained only about 1.4 pounds before egg retrieval. The weight gain often returned to baseline within two weeks after the retrieval. However, the study also revealed that some individuals experienced greater variation, with some gaining as much as 15 pounds.

Factors associated with higher weight gain in this study included:

Lower initial BMI
Higher number of eggs retrieved
Development of OHSS

This evidence helps to lower patient anxiety by demonstrating that significant, lasting weight gain is not a typical outcome for most individuals undergoing ovarian stimulation. As noted in an NIH-supported study regarding IVF, the idea that hormone therapy universally leads to clinically significant weight gain is a common misconception.

Comparing Ovaleap Side Effects in Men vs. Women


Side Effect	Female Patients	Male Patients
Weight Gain	Rapid weight gain is a sign of severe OHSS; more modest fluctuations can occur from fluid retention and bloating.	Considered a common side effect of treatment.
Abdominal Discomfort	Common; bloating, pain, or distension frequently occur, especially with OHSS.	Less common; typically associated with other conditions or general treatment side effects.
Injection Site Reactions	Common; pain, redness, bruising, and irritation are frequent.	Common; pain, redness, bruising, and irritation are frequent.
Headache/Dizziness	Common; a frequently reported side effect.	Common; a frequently reported side effect.
Breast Changes	Breast soreness or tenderness may occur.	Gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement) is a common side effect.
Nausea/Vomiting	Common, especially with OHSS.	Less common, but possible.
Ovarian Cysts	Common; a direct result of ovarian stimulation.	Not applicable.
Acne	Less commonly reported.	Common; a reported side effect.

Conclusion

For those asking "does Ovaleap cause weight gain?", the answer is nuanced. Yes, weight gain is a listed side effect of Ovaleap, but the context and severity vary greatly between sexes and individuals. For women, a small, temporary weight increase due to fluid retention and bloating is possible during ovarian stimulation. However, rapid and significant weight gain in women is a key indicator of OHSS and requires immediate medical evaluation. For men being treated for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, weight gain is a more standard, though still manageable, side effect. Overall, recent research suggests that substantial, long-term weight gain is not a typical outcome for most patients undergoing fertility treatment. Regardless of the cause, it is essential to communicate any body changes with your healthcare provider for proper monitoring and guidance.

For more information on the safety and efficacy of Ovaleap compared to other treatments, you can read about the findings of the SOFIA study based on information from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for men using Ovaleap to treat hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, weight gain is listed as a common side effect of the medication.

Rapid weight gain in women using Ovaleap is a potential sign of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This occurs when the ovaries over-react to the medication, leading to fluid accumulation in the body.

Normal weight fluctuations during IVF are typically modest and temporary, caused by hormonal bloating and water retention. In contrast, OHSS-related weight gain is often rapid and accompanied by severe symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and shortness of breath.

While temporary weight fluctuations are common, studies suggest that clinically significant and long-term weight gain is not a typical outcome. One study found that the average weight gain during ovarian stimulation was only about 1.4 pounds.

If you are a woman on Ovaleap and experience rapid weight gain along with other symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately, as this may be a sign of severe OHSS.

While the drug is primarily a hormonal stimulant, changes in hormone levels and the stress of fertility treatments can indirectly affect appetite and metabolic patterns. However, any weight gain is not typically due to a direct metabolic effect of the drug itself in women.

For women who experience weight fluctuations from bloating or mild OHSS, the weight typically returns to baseline within a couple of weeks after the treatment cycle ends. For men, discussing strategies with a doctor may help manage weight.