Hello, I completely understand how frustrating it is when your body does not follow the expected schedule, especially during IVF when timing feels so critical. Please take a deep breath. What you are experiencing is incredibly common after a large egg retrieval, and it will not ruin your chances for a successful frozen embryo transfer.
Here is a clear breakdown of exactly why your body is reacting this way and what it means for your upcoming transfer:
The Ovarian Reset: You had an amazing response to the stimulation medications, yielding 31 eggs. Because your ovaries worked so incredibly hard, they need extra time to rest and reset. It is very standard for the ovaries to take a break during the cycle immediately following a large retrieval. This means you likely did not ovulate in March, which results in a very thin uterine lining and only spotting instead of a true heavy period.
The Regestrone Timeline: You stopped taking the Regestrone on March 25. Today is March 30. A withdrawal bleed from Regestrone typically takes anywhere from 2 to 7 days to start after taking the final pill. You are currently on day 5, which means you are still perfectly within the normal waiting window. Your proper flow could easily start tomorrow or the next day.
How this affects your transfer: Here is the most reassuring fact for your frozen transfer cycle: the actual volume of blood you see does not matter. What matters is the thickness of your uterine lining inside. As long as a baseline ultrasound shows your lining is thin and your ovaries are quiet, your doctor can safely start your estrogen medications to build a fresh lining for the embryo. A heavy period is not a strict requirement to move forward.
Next Steps
Give your body another 2 to 3 days to see if a heavier flow begins. Try to keep your stress levels low, as high stress can delay bleeding even further. If you do not see a full flow by April 2, simply contact your clinic. They will likely bring you in for a quick ultrasound to confirm your lining is perfectly thin and give you the green light to start your transfer medications.