Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
This syndrome is characterized by exaggerated response to excess hormones. It usually presents when women take injectable hormonal medications in order to stimulate the development of eggs in the ovaries. In this syndrome ovaries become swollen and painful.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
Mild to moderate OHSS:
- Mild abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating of abdomen which result in increase waist size
- Tenderness in the ovaries area
Severe OHSS:
- Rapid unintentional weight gain
- Problematic breathing
- Blood clots
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent nausea and severe vomiting
- Tightness of abdomen
- Abdominal bloating
Causes
The actual cause of this syndrome is not known. Usually having high level of a hormone, named human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), seems to play a major role. Ovarian blood vessels react to it and become leaky. The fluid swell the ovary and occasionally large amount of fluid move to the abdomen.
Complications
- Sometimes leaked fluid accumulate in the chest
- Kidney failure
- Ovary torsion
- Rupture of cyst lead to life threatening condition
- Pregnancy loss from miscarriage
- Rarely it can cause death
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this syndrome depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:
- Ultrasound
- Blood test
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Alot of fluid intake
- More frequent physical examination and imaging test
- Waist and weight measurement daily
- Anticoagulant for blood clots
- Drainage of ascitis in the abdomen with needle
Home Remedies
- For pain take over-the-counter painkiller such as acetaminophen etc but avoid ibuprofen and naproxen as it interfere with the implantation of embryo
- Avoid sexual intercourse
- Avoid strenuous exercise