Your Holistic IVF Week-By-Week Guide: Part 2 (IVF Stimulation Phase)
Supporting Hormones & Staying Grounded
The shots have started. Now what?
You’ve entered the stimulation phase with daily injections, early-morning monitoring, and an emotional rollercoaster that no one quite prepares you for. This is the part where your ovaries are working overtime to recruit multiple follicles. Behind the scenes, your body is managing fluctuating estrogen, growing eggs, and navigating the full-body effects of elevated hormone levels.
But while your clinic focuses on numbers, i.e. estrogen levels, follicle count, endometrial thickness, you still need nourishing food, stable blood sugar, a regulated nervous system, and emotional support.
This is your guide to staying grounded while your hormones do their big, messy, beautiful job.
Goals During the Stimulation Phase:
Support follicle development with nutrient-dense, stabilizing meals.
Maintain emotional steadiness through intentional nervous system care.
Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Promote circulation to the ovaries and uterus.
Stay hydrated and rested through a rapidly changing cycle.
1. Fuel Follicle Growth with Targeted Nutrition
Now’s the time to keep meals simple, balanced, and blood-sugar friendly. Elevated estrogen during stims can cause mood swings, headaches, or bloating. Stable blood sugar helps buffer those shifts.
Aim for:
High-quality protein (pastured eggs, wild fish, organic chicken, lentils)
Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, tahini, walnuts)
Antioxidant-rich vegetables (leafy greens, crucifers, colorful peppers)
Whole-food carbs (sweet potatoes, quinoa, oats) in moderation
Pro tip: Add a scoop of ground flax or chia to smoothies or oatmeal. They're rich in omega-3s and support estrogen metabolism.
2. Stay Hydrated to Support Circulation & Hormones
Your body needs extra hydration during stimulation to support hormone transport, follicle development, and detoxification, especially if you’re experiencing bloating or water retention.
Aim for 2–3 liters daily.
Add electrolytes or a pinch of sea salt to water for better absorption.
Eliminate dehydrating drinks (coffee or sodas).
3. Ground Your Nervous System
Stimulation meds can be emotionally and physically intense. It's not uncommon to feel "not quite like yourself." Rather than powering through, try anchoring yourself daily with small but meaningful rituals.
Try:
Box breathing or guided meditations in the morning,
Journaling or somatic tracking to process emotions,
Acupuncture 1–2x/week to regulate the HPO axis and support ovarian blood flow,
Gentle movement (short walks, stretching, yin yoga).
Evidence: Studies suggest acupuncture during IVF may improve ovarian response and reduce stress hormones, especially when timed during stims and around retrieval.
4. Prioritize Sleep and Rest
Estrogen is rising. Emotions may feel bigger than usual. And if you’re waking for early labs and ultrasounds, sleep might take a hit.
Protect it fiercely:
Stick to a wind-down routine with magnesium or herbal tea.
Use a sleep mask, blackout curtains, or white noise if needed.
Say no to unnecessary commitments. Rest is the best medicine right now.
5. Mental + Emotional Support (This Is a Big Week)
This phase is filled with uncertainty. Will enough follicles grow? Will they mature? Will this cycle work?
Let yourself feel it all without judgment, and try this:
Limit exposure to forums or stories that increase anxiety.
Ask your partner or friend to be your emotional “buffer” if needed.
Affirm your efforts: “I’m giving my body the best chance I can.”
Optional prompt: “What would support look like for me this week?”
Gentle Reminder
There is no “right” way to feel during IVF. You are doing something incredibly brave. Keep showing up for yourself one day at a time.
Coming Next in This Series:
Part 3 – Egg Retrieval + Embryo Development: How to Recover and Rebuild After the Peak of IVF
We’ll cover anti-inflammatory nutrition, supplement support, and what happens during the days between retrieval and transfer.
Missed Part 1?
Start from the beginning with Laying the Foundation (2–3 Months Before Transfer) — a holistic guide to building the foundation for a successful cycle with nutrition, detox, and nervous system support.